2

In English, we use the word "option" in a wide array of situations with many different meanings. When speaking, I struggled to find a word that translated the meaning effectively. Some examples are:

Giving up is not an option.

In this case I assume there is not a direct translation, and I have to use あきらめるわけにはいかない or something of the sort?

There are many drink options at that restaurant.

This is another usage that confuses me. I feel like たくさんの種類 maybe works, but that there is still a better way to say this.

What are our options?

or

That idea, won't work, we need to find another option.

This is the usage that really gets me. I am not aware of a word that exists such that I can say, 僕らはほかの<option>を探さない/見つけないといけない

4
  • 5
    「選択肢」はだめだったんでしょうか・・・
    – chocolate
    Aug 19, 2018 at 16:19
  • I always thought that was more for, like multiple choice questions. No? Aug 19, 2018 at 17:22
  • 1
    @chargerstriker Chocolateさん's suggestion works for the examples that you gave.
    – DXV
    Aug 20, 2018 at 7:19
  • I drafted some examples with 選択 and 選択肢 for each of these bu my grammar might be off...
    – virmaior
    Aug 20, 2018 at 10:54

1 Answer 1

4

The word 選択肢 can be used, possibly with small rephrasing, like this:

  • 諦めるという選択肢はない。
  • このレストランにはたくさんのドリンクの選択肢がある。
  • 我々の選択肢は何か?
  • その案はダメだ、別の選択肢を探さないと。

Still, 選択肢 is a relatively stiff word, and yes, something like 諦めるわけにはいかない may be a reasonable choice in casual speech. If you feel like avoiding 選択肢, you can say たくさんのドリンクから選べる, どんながあるか, 別の方法を探そう, etc.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .