Japanese

Conjunction

又は ‎(hiragana または, romaji mata wa)

1. or

Usage notes

1. Used in conjunction with moshiku wa (若しくは) to form complex lists, particularly in legal contexts. Mata wa divides subsets within the list while moshiku wa is used to conjoin more closely related items.
   • 1946, Constitution of Japan:

     公金その他の公の財產は、宗敎上の組織若しくは團體の使用、便益若しくは維持のため、又は公の支配に屬しない慈善、敎育若しくは博愛の事業に對し、これを支出し、又はその利用に供してはならない。

     No public money or other property shall be expended or (mata) appropriated for the use, benefit or (moshiku) maintenance of any religious institution or (moshiku) association, or (mata) for any charitable, educational or (moshiku) benevolent enterprises not under the control of public authority. (Article 89)