目錄
Korean 「및」「또는」「혹은」 are commonly seen in notices, application forms, regulations, and website instructions. All three appear between items, but their meanings fall into two categories: 「및」 includes the items together, while 「또는」 and 「혹은」 indicate choice or alternatives.
The difficulty is that formal writing often compresses many conditions into a single sentence. In expressions such as 「A 및 B」 and 「A 또는 B」, changing just one connector can change the scope of the condition. When three or more items are listed, you also need to consider punctuation, item hierarchy, and context. Understanding what each of these three words does in a sentence makes it less likely that you will misread the scope of a Korean notice or application requirement.
How to Connect Korean 「및」「또는」「혹은」: Nouns, Phrases, and Sentences
「및」「또는」「혹은」 are not grammatical endings attached to verb stems, so their forms do not change according to vowels, consonants, or tense. The basic structures can simply be remembered as A「및」B, A「또는」B, and A「혹은」B. All three are written independently between the elements they connect.
What really matters is the relationship between A and B. 「및」 connects elements of the same type and includes both sides together, while 「또는」 and 「혹은」 present the two sides as alternatives. 「및」 is especially common between nouns or noun phrases, as in 「설계 및 제조」 and 「학교, 가정 및 지역 사회」. 「또는」 and 「혹은」 can appear not only between nouns but also in longer choice structures, such as 「집에 있든지 또는 시장에 가든지」 and 「글을 쓰거나 혹은 말을 하다」.
| Connection Type | Basic Structure | What It Commonly Connects | Relationship Between the Two Sides | Example |
| 「및」 | A＋및＋B | Similar nouns, noun phrases, etc. | A and B are both included | 설계 및 제조 |
| 「또는」 | A＋또는＋B | Nouns, phrases, choice structures | A or B | 월요일 또는 수요일 |
| 「혹은」 | A＋혹은＋B | Nouns, phrases, choice structures | A or B | 아들 혹은 딸 |
| 「-거나 혹은」 | V-거나＋혹은＋another option | Choice between actions or states | One of the two actions | 글을 쓰거나 혹은 말을 하다 |
Connecting 「및」｜Place It Between Elements of the Same Type: A「및」B
「및」 is used to connect sentence elements of the same type, most commonly noun to noun or noun phrase to noun phrase. The basic structure is A「및」B. Its form does not change depending on whether the preceding noun has a 받침, and unlike 「와／과」, it does not have two different forms.
For example, in 「설계 및 제조」, both 「설계」 and 「제조」 are nouns. In 「학교, 가정 및 지역 사회」, school, family, and the local community are all on the same level. The role of 「및」 is simply to list these items together, so it should not be interpreted as “one or the other” just because it appears between two nouns.
- Example: 설계 및 제조를 담당하고 있습니다.
Romanization: seol-gye mit je-jo-reul dam-dang-ha-go it-seum-ni-da.
Translation: We are responsible for design and manufacturing.
Both 「설계」 and 「제조」 are nouns, and 「및」 includes both tasks in the list. The following 「를」 applies to the entire coordinated group. - Example: 학교, 가정 및 지역 사회의 협력이 필요합니다.
Romanization: hak-gyo, ga-jeong mit ji-yeok sa-hoe-ui hyeop-ryeo-gi pi-ryo-ham-ni-da.
Translation: Cooperation among schools, families, and local communities is necessary.
All three nouns belong to the same group. 「및」 appears between the final two items and connects the entire list. - Example: 신청서 및 동의서를 제출해 주세요.
Romanization: sin-cheong-seo mit dong-ui-seo-reul je-chul-hae ju-se-yo.
Translation: Please submit the application form and consent form.
Both 「신청서」 and 「동의서」 are included among the documents to be submitted. 「및」 does not require any conjugation and is simply placed directly between the two nouns.
Connecting 「또는」｜A「또는」B: Works with Both Nouns and Longer Choice Structures
The basic structure of 「또는」 is A「또는」B, and it is used to present the elements on either side as alternatives. The simplest form connects one noun to another, as in 「월요일 또는 수요일」, but it can also appear between longer grammatical structures that are already complete on both sides.
In 「집에 있든지 또는 시장에 가든지」, 「또는」 is not attached directly to a verb stem. Instead, it appears between two options formed with 「-든지」. In other words, each verb is first conjugated according to the original sentence pattern, and 「또는」 then connects the two sides. A form such as 「가또는」 cannot be used.
- Example: 월요일 또는 수요일을 선택하세요.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il tto-neun su-yo-i-reul seon-tae-ka-se-yo.
Translation: Please choose Monday or Wednesday.
「월요일」 and 「수요일」 are both nouns. 「또는」 is placed directly between the two days without requiring any change to the nouns. - Example: 집에 있든지 또는 시장에 가든지 네 마음대로 해라.
Romanization: ji-be it-deun-ji tto-neun si-jang-e ga-deun-ji ne ma-eum-dae-ro hae-ra.
Translation: Whether you stay home or go to the market, do as you like.
The verbs on both sides first take 「-든지」 to form the two options 「있든지」 and 「가든지」, and 「또는」 then connects them. - Example: 결과는 이메일 또는 문자로 안내됩니다.
Romanization: gyeol-gwa-neun i-me-il tto-neun mun-ja-ro an-nae-doem-ni-da.
Translation: The result will be sent by email or text message.
「이메일」 and 「문자」 are two noun options. The following 「로」 appears after the second item, while the sentence as a whole still describes two possible methods of notification.
Connecting 「혹은」｜A「혹은」B, and It Can Also Appear with 「-거나」
The basic structure of 「혹은」 is the same as that of 「또는」 and can be written as A「혹은」B. It can directly connect nouns, as in 「아들 혹은 딸」 and 「10년 혹은 20년」. When the alternatives are actions or states, other choice endings can be used first, followed by 「혹은」.
One structure that stands out is 「-거나 혹은」. In 「그는 글을 쓰거나 혹은 말을 할 것이다」, 「쓰거나」 first uses the connective ending 「-거나」 to indicate a choice, and 「혹은」 then appears before the other option. Although their meanings are similar, the National Institute of Korean Language does not consider their combination an incorrect redundancy, so they can be used together.
- Example: 아들 혹은 딸.
Romanization: a-deul ho-geun ttal.
Translation: A son or a daughter.
This is the most basic noun＋「혹은」＋noun structure, in which the two nouns form a direct alternative relationship. - Example: 나는 10년 혹은 20년 동안 외국에 나가 있을 생각이다.
Romanization: na-neun sip-nyeon ho-geun i-sip-nyeon dong-an oe-gu-ge na-ga i-sseul saeng-ga-gi-da.
Translation: I am thinking of staying abroad for ten or twenty years.
「10년」 and 「20년」 are both time nouns, and 「혹은」 is placed directly between the two time options. - Example: 그는 글을 쓰거나 혹은 말을 할 것이다.
Romanization: geu-neun geu-reul sseu-geo-na ho-geun ma-reul hal geo-si-da.
Translation: He will either write or speak.
「쓰다」 first takes 「-거나」 to become 「쓰거나」, after which 「혹은」 connects it to the other action. 「-거나 혹은」 can be used together, so there is no need to remove one simply because both express choice.
How Should 「및」「또는」「혹은」 Be Spaced?
「및」「또는」「혹은」 are all independent adverbs rather than particles or endings, so they must be separated from the words before and after them. The basic forms are 「A 및 B」「A 또는 B」「A 혹은 B」. Do not write them as 「A및 B」「A 또는B」 or attach them directly to a verb stem.
This differs from Korean 「와／과」 and 「이나／나」. 「와／과」 and 「이나／나」 are particles and attach directly to the preceding noun, whereas 「및」「또는」「혹은」 can stand independently and therefore require spaces on both sides.
- ✅ 신청서 및 동의서
- ❌ 신청서및 동의서
- ✅ 월요일 또는 수요일
- ❌ 월요일또는 수요일
- ✅ 아들 혹은 딸
- ❌ 아들혹은 딸
None of these three words changes form depending on whether the preceding word has a 받침. In 「학생 및 교사」「학교 및 회사」「월요일 또는 화요일」「아들 혹은 딸」, the forms remain 「및」「또는」「혹은」 throughout.
When Using 「및」「또는」「혹은」, It Is Better to Keep Both Sides at the Same Level
Although these three words themselves do not conjugate, how the surrounding content is grouped still matters. The dictionary definition of 「및」 itself states that it connects elements of the same type. For this reason, in formal writing, if one side is a noun, it is usually clearer to keep the other side as a noun as well. If two methods of applying are being listed, both sides should likewise be presented at the same structural level.
For example, both sides of 「온라인 신청 및 방문 접수」 are methods of applying, while both sides of 「월요일 또는 수요일」 are days. If a sentence contains a multilayered structure such as 「A 및 B 또는 C」, the connectors alone may not immediately reveal whether the intended grouping is “A and B, or C” or “A, and either B or C.” Sentences like this are clearer when punctuation, bullet points, or sentence division is used to show the hierarchy rather than leaving readers to infer it from the positions of 「및」 and 「또는」 alone.
How Korean 「및」「또는」「혹은」 Are Used: Addition, Choice, and Alternatives
How 「및」 Is Used｜Including Similar Items Together
「및」 is close to 「그리고」 and 「또」 and is usually translated into Chinese as “和” or “以及.” The basic meaning of A「및」B is to place A and B in the same group, not to choose one of the two. Compared with the more conversational 「와/과」「하고」「랑/이랑」, 「및」 appears more often in written lists. For more on coordinating particles, see the overview of Korean coordinating particles.
- Example: 월요일 및 수요일.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il mit su-yo-il.
Translation: Monday and Wednesday.
Both days are included in the scope. - Example: 설계 및 제조하는 시설.
Romanization: seol-gye mit je-jo-ha-neun si-seol.
Translation: A facility that carries out design and manufacturing.
「설계」 and 「제조」 are coordinated items. - Example: 임신 및 수유.
Romanization: im-sin mit su-yu.
Translation: Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Taken by itself, 「및」 indicates an additive relationship. The actual meaning of a warning or notice still needs to be interpreted from the complete sentence.
How 「또는」 Is Used｜Presenting the Two Sides as Alternative Options
The dictionary meaning of 「또는」 is 「그렇지 않으면」, generally corresponding to “or” or “otherwise.” The difference between A「또는」B and 「및」 is that the two sides are alternatives. When it appears in legal, eligibility, or institutional conditions, whether the two conditions can also occur together still depends on the complete rule, so the ordinary lexical meaning should not automatically be treated as a formal logical definition in law.
- Example: 월요일 또는 수요일.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il tto-neun su-yo-il.
Translation: Monday or Wednesday.
The two days are presented as options. - Example: 집에 있든지 또는 시장에 가든지 네 마음대로 해라.
Romanization: ji-be it-deun-ji tto-neun si-jang-e ga-deun-ji ne ma-eum-dae-ro hae-ra.
Translation: Whether you stay home or go to the market, do as you like.
The two actions are alternatives. - Example: 사과, 배 또는 감.
Romanization: sa-gwa, bae tto-neun gam.
Translation: Apples, pears, or persimmons.
With three or more items, the context must also be considered when determining the grouping.
How 「혹은」 Is Used｜It Also Means “Or” and Can Be Used in Formal Writing
「혹은」 also means “or” and overlaps heavily with 「또는」. Korean language rules do not prohibit the use of 「혹은」 in documents. If a particular explanation consistently uses 「또는」, it is fine to keep that wording consistent throughout. If the original text uses 「혹은」, there is no need to replace it.
- Example: 아들 혹은 딸.
Romanization: a-deul ho-geun ttal.
Translation: A son or a daughter.
The two nouns are alternative options. - Example: 나는 10년 혹은 20년 동안 외국에 나가 있을 생각이다.
Romanization: na-neun sip-nyeon ho-geun i-sip-nyeon dong-an oe-gu-ge na-ga i-sseul saeng-ga-gi-da.
Translation: I am thinking of staying abroad for ten or twenty years.
The two periods are different options. - Example: 그는 글을 쓰거나 혹은 말을 할 것이다.
Romanization: geu-neun geu-reul sseu-geo-na ho-geun ma-reul hal geo-si-da.
Translation: He will either write or speak.
「-거나」 and 「혹은」 can appear together.
「및」 and 「또는」 Are Not Interchangeable: One Means AND, the Other OR
Both 「및」 and 「또는」 appear between two or more items, but they connect those items in completely different ways. 「및」 includes both sides and corresponds to Chinese “和” or “以及,” while 「또는」 presents the two sides as alternatives and corresponds to “或” or “或者.” Therefore, A「및」B usually means that both A and B are included, whereas A「또는」B presents A and B as alternatives. The two cannot be treated as interchangeable simply because both frequently appear in notices and formal documents.
| Comparison: 「및」 vs. 「또는」 | 「및」 | 「또는」 |
| Basic meaning | and | or |
| Relationship between the two sides | Addition, coordination | Choice, alternative |
| How to interpret A and B | Both A and B are included | A and B are presented as options |
| English equivalent | AND | OR |
| Common position | Coordination of nouns, items, and conditions | Choice between options, methods, and conditions |
| Common in formal writing | Yes | Yes |
| Interchangeable? | Usually no | Usually no |
| Example | 월요일 및 수요일 | 월요일 또는 수요일 |
| Meaning of example | Monday and Wednesday | Monday or Wednesday |
▌Difference Between 「및」 and 「또는」｜Both Sides Included vs. Both Sides Presented as Options
「및」 connects content that is meant to be included together. In 「월요일 및 수요일」, for example, both Monday and Wednesday are included in the same scope. If it is changed to 「월요일 또는 수요일」, the relationship between the two days becomes one of choice, and the meaning changes to Monday or Wednesday.
This distinction can be especially important when reading notices or application requirements. When you see 「및」, you should not automatically treat one of the items as optional. When you see 「또는」, you should not automatically interpret both items as mandatory. If the sentence also contains other conditions, quantities, or multilayered lists, the surrounding context still needs to be considered.
- Example: 월요일 및 수요일에 수업이 있습니다.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il mit su-yo-i-re su-eo-bi it-seum-ni-da.
Translation: There are classes on Monday and Wednesday.
「및」 includes both Monday and Wednesday among the class days, so both days fall within the scope of the sentence. - Example: 월요일 또는 수요일을 선택하세요.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il tto-neun su-yo-i-reul seon-tae-ka-se-yo.
Translation: Please choose Monday or Wednesday.
「또는」 turns the two days into alternatives, meaning that one should be chosen from Monday and Wednesday.
▌With the Same 「월요일／수요일」, How Does the Condition Change with 「및」 or 「또는」?
If an event notice says 「참가 가능일: 월요일 및 수요일」, both days are listed together. If it says 「참가 가능일: 월요일 또는 수요일」, the two days form alternatives. In Chinese, you may simply see two days listed side by side, but it is the connector between them that determines the actual relationship between the conditions.
This is also why 「및」 and 「또는」 should not simply be memorized as two written-style variants with different levels of formality. Their difference is not one of register; they perform different connecting functions in the sentence.
- Example: 신청자는 여권 및 신청서를 제출해야 합니다.
Romanization: sin-cheong-ja-neun yeo-gwon mit sin-cheong-seo-reul je-chul-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Translation: The applicant must submit a passport and an application form.
Both 「여권」 and 「신청서」 are included among the required submissions. This cannot be understood as allowing the applicant to choose just one of the two. - Example: 결과는 이메일 또는 문자로 안내됩니다.
Romanization: gyeol-gwa-neun i-me-il tto-neun mun-ja-ro an-nae-doem-ni-da.
Translation: The result will be sent by email or text message.
「이메일」 and 「문자」 are two notification methods, and the sentence presents them as alternatives.
What Is the Difference Between 「또는」 and 「혹은」? Both Can Be Used in Formal Writing
Both 「또는」 and 「혹은」 express choice or alternatives between the elements on either side and are generally translated into Chinese as “或” or “或者.” In structures such as A「또는」B and A「혹은」B, their meanings overlap greatly, and both can be used in written language. It is not appropriate to rigidly memorize one as formal and the other as informal, nor should 「혹은」 be treated as an incorrect form that cannot appear in documents.
| Comparison: 「또는」 vs. 「혹은」 | 「또는」 | 「혹은」 |
| Basic meaning | or | or |
| Relationship between the two sides | Choice, alternative | Choice, alternative |
| How to interpret A and B | A and B are presented as options | A and B are presented as options |
| Does it normally include both A and B? | Usually no | Usually no |
| Can it be used in formal documents? | Yes | Yes |
| Is it standard usage? | Yes | Yes |
| Can it mean “and”? | No | No |
| Example | 월요일 또는 수요일 | 아들 혹은 딸 |
| Meaning of example | Monday or Wednesday | A son or a daughter |
▌Difference Between 「또는」 and 「혹은」｜Both Mean “Or”; There Is No Need to Force a Formal vs. Informal Distinction
When placed between two items, both 「또는」 and 「혹은」 create a choice relationship. For example, 「월요일 또는 수요일」 means Monday or Wednesday, and 「월요일 혹은 수요일」 likewise presents the two days as alternatives. In this basic structure, there is no need to deliberately create a large semantic distinction between them.
For that reason, if the original uses 「혹은」, there is no need to automatically replace it with 「또는」 simply because the document looks formal. If one form has already been used consistently throughout the same document, keeping that usage consistent will generally make the text easier to read. The important point is that both belong to the “choice” side of the distinction. 「혹은」 should not be misread as “and” simply because it may be less familiar.
- Example: 월요일 또는 수요일에 방문할 수 있습니다.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il tto-neun su-yo-i-re bang-mun-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Translation: You can visit on Monday or Wednesday.
「또는」 presents Monday and Wednesday as two possible days. - Example: 월요일 혹은 수요일에 방문할 수 있습니다.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il ho-geun su-yo-i-re bang-mun-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Translation: You can visit on Monday or Wednesday.
Changing the connector to 「혹은」 still leaves the relationship as one of choice; it does not mean that you must visit on both days.
▌Can 「혹은」 Be Used in Formal Documents? Yes; There Is No Rule Prohibiting It
「혹은」 itself is standard usage, and there is no restriction stating that it can only be used in speech or that it cannot appear in formal documents. Expressions such as 「아들 혹은 딸」 and 「10년 혹은 20년」 are valid, with the two sides remaining alternatives.
Accordingly, when 「혹은」 appears in a formal document, it can be understood in its ordinary sense of “or.” It does not first need to be replaced by 「또는」 in order to be correct. However, when the document concerns application eligibility, legal effects, or institutional requirements, the connector only helps identify the basic relationship. The exact scope of the rule must still be determined from the complete sentence and the relevant authority’s regulations.
- Example: 신청서는 온라인 혹은 방문 접수로 제출할 수 있습니다.
Romanization: sin-cheong-seo-neun on-ra-in ho-geun bang-mun jeop-su-ro je-chul-hal su it-seum-ni-da.
Translation: The application form can be submitted online or in person.
「온라인」 and 「방문 접수」 are two methods of submission, and 「혹은」 presents them as alternatives. - Example: 아들 혹은 딸.
Romanization: a-deul ho-geun ttal.
Translation: A son or a daughter.
This is the most direct A「혹은」B structure and expresses an alternative relationship between the two nouns.
▌Does Replacing 「또는」 with 「혹은」 Change the Condition of the Sentence?
In a simple A「또는／혹은」B structure, replacing one with the other does not normally change the original “choice” relationship into an additive one. For example, both 「아들 또는 딸」 and 「아들 혹은 딸」 present a son and a daughter as alternatives. Likewise, 「10년 또는 20년」 and 「10년 혹은 20년」 both indicate a choice between two periods.
What should not be done is to impose a rule on the two words that does not actually exist, such as “또는 can only be used in formal documents, while 혹은 can only be used in ordinary writing.” Korean has no such restriction. When the sentence itself is long and the list structure is complex, the full sentence still needs to be considered rather than allowing either 「또는」 or 「혹은」 alone to determine the entire scope.
- Example: 나는 10년 또는 20년 동안 외국에 나가 있을 생각이다.
Romanization: na-neun sip-nyeon tto-neun i-sip-nyeon dong-an oe-gu-ge na-ga i-sseul saeng-ga-gi-da.
Translation: I am thinking of staying abroad for ten or twenty years.
「또는」 presents ten years and twenty years as different time options. - Example: 나는 10년 혹은 20년 동안 외국에 나가 있을 생각이다.
Romanization: na-neun sip-nyeon ho-geun i-sip-nyeon dong-an oe-gu-ge na-ga i-sseul saeng-ga-gi-da.
Translation: I am thinking of staying abroad for ten or twenty years.
Using 「혹은」 still indicates a choice between two periods; it does not mean “both ten years and twenty years.”
How Should 「또는」 Be Interpreted with Three or More Options? The Key Is the Grouping of the Whole Sentence, Not Its Position
When three or more items appear in the same sentence, the position of 「또는」 alone cannot determine how the entire sequence should be interpreted. In 「사과, 배 또는 감」, it may appear on the surface that 「또는」 simply occurs between the final two items, but the actual interpretation still depends on the surrounding context, punctuation, and whether the items are on the same structural level.
Korean has no rule stating that, with three or more options, 「또는」 must always appear in one fixed position. In longer lists, it is therefore more important to identify which elements belong to the same group and which belong to another level of conditions than to focus only on the two words immediately before and after 「또는」. This is especially important when 「및」 and 「또는」 appear in the same sentence. A structure such as 「A 및 B 또는 C」 can potentially be grouped in more than one way if there is no additional punctuation or list formatting.
In ordinary explanatory text, this type of sentence can first be interpreted through context. If it appears in eligibility criteria, administrative regulations, or legal provisions, however, it is better to read the complete provision and its list hierarchy rather than draw a conclusion from a single connector. Content that can be divided into bullet points is generally less ambiguous than content compressed into one sentence.
How to Read 「및」「또는」「혹은」 in Korean Notices and Application Documents: Three Common Situations
「및」「또는」「혹은」 frequently appear in Korean application instructions, event notices, procedural rules, and website information. 「및」 usually includes both items and means “and,” while 「또는」 and 「혹은」 present the surrounding content as alternatives and mean “or.” When reading them, the first thing to determine is whether both items count together or whether one is chosen from the two. If application materials say 「여권 사본 및 신청서」, both the passport copy and the application form are included among the required documents. If the notification method is 「이메일 또는 문자」, email and text message are separate options. If you see 「온라인 혹은 방문 접수」, 「혹은」 likewise means online or in-person submission; it does not change meaning simply because it appears in formal writing.
▌Situation ①｜If Application Materials Say 「여권 사본 및 신청서」, Both Documents Are Included
A：신청할 때 어떤 서류를 제출해야 해요?
sin-cheong-hal ttae eo-tteon seo-ryu-reul je-chul-hae-ya hae-yo?
What documents do I need to submit when applying?
B：여권 사본 및 신청서를 제출해야 해요.
yeo-gwon sa-bon mit sin-cheong-seo-reul je-chul-hae-ya hae-yo.
You need to submit a copy of your passport and the application form.
📌 Grammar Point: In 「여권 사본 및 신청서」, 「및」 includes both “passport copy” and “application form” among the documents that must be submitted. This is not a choice between the two documents; both items are part of the list. This construction is common in document lists issued by Korean government bodies and institutions. Expressions such as 「신청서 및 동의서」 and 「제작 및 배송」 likewise coordinate the content on both sides. When you see 「및」, you can first read it as “and,” then check whether the rest of the sentence imposes any other conditions.
▌Situation ②｜If the Notification Method Says 「이메일 또는 문자」, It Indicates a Choice Between Different Methods
A：결과는 어떻게 알려 줘요?
gyeol-gwa-neun eo-tteo-ke al-lyeo jwo-yo?
How will I be notified of the result?
B：이메일 또는 문자로 안내됩니다.
i-me-il tto-neun mun-ja-ro an-nae-doem-ni-da.
You will be notified by email or text message.
📌 Grammar Point: 「이메일 또는 문자」 does not require both email and text messaging to be used. Instead, it places the two notification methods in a choice relationship. The basic meaning of 「또는」 is close to “or,” so when you see A「또는」B, you can first understand it as A or B. 「월요일 또는 수요일」 means Monday or Wednesday, while 「온라인 또는 방문 신청」 means applying online or in person. If the same sentence contains other conditions or three or more items, however, you need to consider the punctuation and the entire sentence rather than relying on 「또는」 alone.
▌Situation ③｜If the Application Method Says 「온라인 혹은 방문 접수」, 「혹은」 Also Indicates Choice
A：신청은 꼭 온라인으로 해야 해요?
sin-cheong-eun kkok on-ra-in-eu-ro hae-ya hae-yo?
Do I have to apply online?
B：아니요. 온라인 혹은 방문 접수로 신청할 수 있어요.
a-ni-yo. on-ra-in ho-geun bang-mun jeop-su-ro sin-cheong-hal su i-sseo-yo.
No. You can apply online or in person.
📌 Grammar Point: In 「온라인 혹은 방문 접수」, 「혹은」, like 「또는」, presents the two application methods as alternatives. 「혹은」 is not a word restricted to spoken language, and there is no rule prohibiting it in formal documents. It can also be found in actual notices issued by Korean government bodies and public institutions. When you read A「혹은」B, the basic meaning is still A or B; it does not become “both A and B” simply because the sentence is formal.
Usage Notes:
- The first distinction to make between 「및」 and 「또는／혹은」 is the relationship between the items on either side. 「및」 coordinates the content. For example, 「신청서 및 동의서」 means that both the application form and the consent form are listed. 「또는」 and 「혹은」 indicate choice. Expressions such as 「월요일 또는 수요일」 and 「10시 혹은 15시」 present different days or times as options. In eligibility requirements or required-document lists, this difference can directly affect what needs to be prepared, so the three words should not simply be glossed over as generic “connectors.”
- Both 「또는」 and 「혹은」 mean “or,” and there is no rule saying that formal documents may only use 「또는」 and not 「혹은」. The National Institute of Korean Language also explicitly states that 「혹은」 is not incorrect and can be used in documents. Actual notices include forms such as 「10시 혹은 15시」 and 「QR 코드 혹은 아래 링크」. If a document already consistently uses either 「또는」 or 「혹은」, keeping that choice consistent generally makes it easier to read; there is no need to alternate the two merely for variation.
- When three or more items appear in the same sentence, another level of analysis is necessary. In 「A, B 또는 C」, the presence of 「또는」 alone does not determine whether the meaning is “choose one from A, B, and C” or whether the earlier items form a separate subgroup. When 「및」 and 「또는」 appear together, as in 「A 및 B 또는 C」, the grouping must be interpreted with reference to punctuation, list hierarchy, and context. In ordinary notices, 「및＝addition, 또는／혹은＝choice」 provides a useful starting point. When regulations affect eligibility, rights, or obligations, however, the complete provision needs to be read.
Comparing Korean 「및」「또는」「혹은」 with Japanese 「及び」「又は」「あるいは」
Korean 「및」「또는」「혹은」 and Japanese 「及び」「又は」「あるいは」 all commonly appear in written explanations, notices, and regulations. At the most basic level, 「및」 and 「及び」 both include the elements on either side together, while 「또는」「혹은」 and 「又は」「あるいは」 can present the surrounding elements as alternatives. For this reason, when you see A「및」B, you can first associate it with Japanese A「及び」B. When you see A「또는／혹은」B, you can first understand it through A「又は／あるいは」B.
However, these expressions cannot be mapped to one another on a rigid one-to-one basis. In legal language in particular, Japanese distinguishes levels of coordination with 「及び／並びに」 and levels of alternatives with 「又は／若しくは」. Korean 「및」「또는」「혹은」 do not have an entirely equivalent fixed system. In addition, Japanese 「あるいは」 can mean not only “or” but also “perhaps” or “possibly.” That use cannot simply be replaced by Korean 「혹은」.
◆ Similar Usage: 「及び」
Japanese 「及び（および）」 is the expression most easily compared with Korean 「및」. Both can connect multiple people, things, or conditions and place the surrounding content in the same group. In Chinese, both are commonly translated as “和、及、以及.” For example, Korean 「신청서 및 동의서」 and Japanese 「申請書及び同意書」 both list the application form and consent form together rather than presenting a choice between the two.
There are also similarities when three or more items are listed. Japanese can use 「A、B及びC」, while Korean may use 「A, B 및 C」. In both languages, the connector corresponding to “and” can appear between the final two items in the list. However, Japanese legal writing also uses 「並びに」 to distinguish a larger coordination level when two or more levels are involved. This is not a rule that can be directly represented by Korean 「및」 alone.
- Example: 신청서 및 동의서를 제출해 주세요.
Romanization: sin-cheong-seo mit dong-ui-seo-reul je-chul-hae ju-se-yo.
Translation: Please submit the application form and consent form.
In Japanese, you can say 「申請書及び同意書を提出してください」.
Kana: しんせいしょ および どういしょを ていしゅつして ください。Both sentences include the application form and consent form together within the scope of the required documents. 「및」 and 「及び」 are very similar in this type of written coordination between nouns. - Example: 이름, 주소 및 전화번호를 입력하세요.
Romanization: i-reum, ju-so mit jeon-hwa-beon-ho-reul i-ryeo-ka-se-yo.
Translation: Please enter your name, address, and telephone number.
In Japanese, you can say 「氏名、住所及び電話番号を入力してください」.
Kana: しめい、じゅうしょ および でんわばんごうを にゅうりょくして ください。All three items are included among the required information. In both Korean and Japanese, the equivalent of “and” can be placed between the final two items. - Example: 설계 및 제조에 관한 업무입니다.
Romanization: seol-gye mit je-jo-e gwan-han eom-mu-im-ni-da.
Translation: This work concerns design and manufacturing.
In Japanese, you can say 「設計及び製造に関する業務です」.
Kana: せっけい および せいぞうに かんする ぎょうむです。“Design” and “manufacturing” are coordinated items at the same level. In this type of formal written sentence, 「및」 and 「及び」 perform very similar functions.
◆ Similar Usage: 「又は」
Japanese 「又は（または）」 presents a choice between two or more things, making it very similar to Korean 「또는」. Korean 「월요일 또는 수요일」 and Japanese 「月曜日又は水曜日」 both mean Monday or Wednesday. The two sides are alternatives rather than items that are both included.
For this reason, 「또는」 and 「又は」 are easy to compare in formal explanations involving application methods, contact methods, date options, and similar situations. Japanese legal language, however, applies a more detailed hierarchy to 「又は」. When a choice relationship itself contains smaller subgroups, 「又は」 is used for the larger level of choice, while 「若しくは」 is used for the smaller level. Korean formal writing does not directly replicate this fixed division between 「又は」 and 「若しくは」.
- Example: 월요일 또는 수요일을 선택하세요.
Romanization: wo-ryo-il tto-neun su-yo-i-reul seon-tae-ka-se-yo.
Translation: Please choose Monday or Wednesday.
In Japanese, you can say 「月曜日又は水曜日を選択してください」.
Kana: げつようび または すいようびを せんたくして ください。Both sentences present Monday and Wednesday as date options. 「또는」 and 「又は」 can both be directly understood as “or.” - Example: 결과는 이메일 또는 문자로 안내됩니다.
Romanization: gyeol-gwa-neun i-me-il tto-neun mun-ja-ro an-nae-doem-ni-da.
Translation: The result will be sent by email or text message.
In Japanese, you can say 「結果はメール又はSMSで通知されます」.
Kana: けっかは メール または エスエムエスで つうちされます。Email and text messages are different notification methods. Both languages use a choice connector to place the two methods in the same set of alternatives. - Example: 온라인 또는 방문 신청이 가능합니다.
Romanization: on-ra-in tto-neun bang-mun sin-cheong-i ga-neung-ham-ni-da.
Translation: You can apply online or in person.
In Japanese, you can say 「オンライン又は窓口で申請できます」.
Kana: オンライン または まどぐちで しんせいできます。The point here is that the application method can be chosen from different alternatives, not that both online and in-person methods must be used.
◆ Similar Usage: 「あるいは」
Japanese 「あるいは」, when used to express a choice, can also be compared with Korean 「또는」「혹은」. For example, 「オンラインあるいは窓口で申し込む」 means applying online or at a service counter, with the two sides remaining alternatives. In this use, Korean 「혹은」 and Japanese 「あるいは」 do indeed share similarities.
However, the two words cannot be treated as completely identical. In addition to functioning as a conjunction meaning “or,” Japanese 「あるいは」 can also function as an adverb meaning “perhaps” or “possibly.” For example, 「あるいは間違っているかもしれない」 means “Perhaps it may be wrong.” This is not a choice between A and B, and Korean 「혹은」 cannot simply be substituted merely because Chinese may use the character 「或」 in both cases.
- Example: 온라인 혹은 방문 접수로 신청할 수 있어요.
Romanization: on-ra-in ho-geun bang-mun jeop-su-ro sin-cheong-hal su i-sseo-yo.
Translation: You can apply online or in person.
In Japanese, you can say 「オンラインあるいは窓口で申し込むことができます」.
Kana: オンライン あるいは まどぐちで もうしこむ ことが できます。Here, both 「혹은」 and 「あるいは」 appear between two application methods and indicate “one of the two.” - Example: 아들 혹은 딸.
Romanization: a-deul ho-geun ttal.
Translation: A son or a daughter.
In Japanese, you can say 「息子あるいは娘」.
Kana: むすこ あるいは むすめ。Both sentences express a simple A-or-B relationship. Korean 「혹은」 does not include the meaning “both A and B” here, and Japanese 「あるいは」 likewise lists alternatives. - Example: 10년 혹은 20년 동안 외국에 나가 있을 생각이다.
Romanization: sip-nyeon ho-geun i-sip-nyeon dong-an oe-gu-ge na-ga i-sseul saeng-ga-gi-da.
Translation: I am thinking of staying abroad for ten or twenty years.
In Japanese, you can say 「10年あるいは20年間、外国で暮らすつもりです」.
Kana: じゅうねん あるいは にじゅうねんかん、がいこくで くらす つもりです。Ten years and twenty years are two time options. This use of 「あるいは」 for an enumerated choice and
◆ Differences from Japanese 「及び」「又は」「あるいは」:
Korean 「및」 is easiest to understand alongside Japanese 「及び」 because both place the items before and after them in the same group, expressing meanings such as “and” or “as well as.” Korean 「또는」「혹은」 overlap extensively with Japanese 「又は」「あるいは」, as all of them can present the surrounding content as alternatives. For simple structures such as 「A 및 B」「A 또는 B」「A 혹은 B」, there is no problem using 「A及びB」「A又はB」「AあるいはB」 to build a basic understanding of the relationship.
The distinction becomes more important in legal language, where Japanese uses different expressions to mark hierarchy. Japanese does not rely only on 「及び」 and 「又は」. When coordinated elements have multiple levels, 「及び／並びに」 are used to distinguish them; when alternatives have multiple levels, 「又は／若しくは」 are used. For example, 「及び」 is used within a smaller group, while 「並びに」 connects a larger level of coordination. For alternatives, 「若しくは」 handles the smaller grouping, while 「又は」 appears at the larger level. Even when Korean uses 「및」 or 「또는」, this Japanese legal hierarchy cannot simply be applied to the Korean sentence.
「혹은」 and 「あるいは」 should likewise only be compared when they mean “A or B.” Japanese 「あるいは」 can also independently mean “perhaps” or “possibly.” For example, 「あるいはそうかもしれない」 means “Perhaps that may be the case,” and the sentence does not present two alternatives. The basic use of Korean 「혹은」, by contrast, concerns alternatives such as “or” and “otherwise.” Therefore, not every Japanese 「あるいは」 can automatically be replaced with Korean 「혹은」.
When comparing Korean and Japanese in practice, first determine whether the sentence is adding items together or presenting items as alternatives. For addition, 「및」 and 「及び」 are the closest match. For choice, 「또는／혹은」 can be compared with 「又は／あるいは」. When dealing with Japanese legal language, however, you also need to examine the additional grouping created by 「並びに／若しくは」 rather than attempting a word-for-word replacement using only the three Korean expressions.
To distinguish 「및」「또는」「혹은」, look directly at whether the items before and after the connector are being included together or presented as alternatives. 「및」 generally handles the former, while 「또는」「혹은」 are used for the latter.
This distinction is enough to interpret most ordinary notices, forms, and explanatory texts. When three or more items are listed, or when the sentence involves formal rules concerning eligibility, rights, or obligations, punctuation, list hierarchy, and the surrounding context should also be considered. If the wording directly affects eligibility or legal consequences, the final interpretation should still be based on the complete provision and the explanation provided by the competent authority.
FAQs
「및」 means “and” or “as well as” and is used to connect items of the same type together. The basic interpretation of A「및」B is that both A and B are included. This differs from 「또는」, which indicates an alternative. 「및」 is very common in written materials such as notices, reports, and regulations.
No. 「및」 expresses an additive relationship and is close to AND, while 「또는」 expresses an alternative relationship and is close to OR. For example, 「월요일 및 수요일」 means “Monday and Wednesday,” whereas 「월요일 또는 수요일」 means “Monday or Wednesday.”
Both can mean “or,” and their basic functions are very similar. Korean usage rules do not rigidly classify one as formal and the other as informal, nor is there a rule stating that documents may only use 「또는」. In actual writing, it is generally enough to keep the wording consistent throughout the document.
Yes. 「혹은」 is standard Korean, and there is no rule prohibiting it from appearing in formal documents. A「혹은」B should still be understood as an alternative relationship; it should not be interpreted as meaning both A and B simply because the writing style is formal.
It should be interpreted together with the punctuation, item hierarchy, and surrounding context. A sequence such as 「사과, 배 또는 감」 may allow different groupings depending on context, and Korean usage rules do not prescribe one exclusive position for 「또는」 in lists of three or more items. If an important regulation is ambiguous, refer to the complete provision or the explanation provided by the competent authority.