と～と、どちらが
Between ~ which one
Structure
Verb1 + こと(2) + と + Verb2 + こと(2) + （と） + どちら(1) + が
(1) どちらのほう、どっち、どっちのほう
(2) の
Explanation
と～と、どちらが is a Japanese expression that is composed of the following grammatical elements:
と - This particle, used twice, functions here to mean 'and'.
どちら - A polite speech word for 'which', and the more formal version of どっち. It can also be a polite way of saying 誰 (who).
が - The case marking particle that marks the subject.
This pattern is used to ask someone to make a choice between two specific items, (A) and (B). It is strictly used for presenting only two options.
- 犬と猫とどちらが好きですか。Between dogs and cats, which do you like more?
- 絵を描くことと歌を歌うこととどちらが上手ですか。Between drawing pictures and singing songs, which are you better at?
- 電車で行くのとバスで行くのとどちらが速いですか。Between going by train and going by bus, which is faster?
As demonstrated, when comparing actions, verbs must be turned into nouns by adding こと or の. Additionally, in casual conversation, どっち is frequently used in place of the more formal どちら.
- 海と山とどっちが好き？Between the ocean and the mountains, which do you prefer?
In many cases, the second と is dropped from the sentence, because どちら (or どっち) already signals that a comparison is being made between the two preceding options.
- コーヒーと紅茶どっちがいい？Between coffee and tea, which would you like?
Fun Fact
Because どちら serves as the polite speech equivalent of 誰 (who), it is commonly used to politely ask for someone's identity.
- 失礼ですが、どちら様ですか。Excuse me, but may I ask who you are?
Caution
The phrase の方 can be added after どちら (or どっち), forming どちらの方. This doesn't significantly alter the meaning, but it can subtly emphasize the 'side' or 'option' being chosen, much like the English phrase 'Which one are you leaning toward?'
- 肉と魚とどちらの方が食べたいですか？Between meat and fish, which one would you rather eat?
Examples
パソコンとタブレットとどちらがほしいですか。
Between a computer and a tablet, which do you want?
歌うことと、踊ること、どちらが得意ですか。
Between singing and dancing, which are you better at?
漢字と文法とどちらが難しいですか。
Between kanji and grammar, which one is more difficult?
夏と冬とどちらが好き？
Between summer and winter, which one do you like more?
家で料理するのと外食するのとどちらが安いんですか。
Between cooking at home and eating out, which one is cheaper?
映画と本とどちらが面白いと思う？
Between movies and books, which do you think is more interesting?
旅行することと、家でゆっくりすること、どちらが好きですか。
Between traveling and relaxing at home, which do you like?
お金と時間とどちらが大事かと聞かれたら、時間の方が大事だと答える。
If I was asked which is more important, between money or time, I'd answer that time is.
東京と大阪とどちらに旅行してみたい？
Which one would you rather travel to, between Tokyo and Osaka?
赤ワインと白ワインとどちらがお好みですか。
Between red wine and white wine, which one do you prefer?
仕事を続けるのと、やめるのとどちらを選ぶべきだろう。
I wonder which (one) I should choose, between continuing my job or quitting.
バスで行くと歩いて行くとどちらが便利？
Between going by bus and going on foot, which one is more convenient?