Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N5 · Beginner 1
どの〜／どれdono ~ / dore
which one or which item
Use どの before an item name or どれ alone to ask which one among three or more known options.
How it works
Setting the table and wondering which plate to choose? Put the object’s name after 「どの」, as in 「どのお皿」。
When both people already know they are choosing a plate, ask with 「どれ」. Do not add the object’s name after it.
Use 「どれ」 to ask which one of three or more objects, without pointing to a particular one.
In the example, 「どのナイフで」 asks which knife to cut with. 「で」 follows the noun and marks the tool.
「どのお皿を」 asks which plate to take out. 「を」 follows the noun and marks the object being taken out.
Example sentences
- どのdonoナイフnaifuでde切りますkirimasuか。ka
Which knife will you use to cut?
- どのdonoお皿osaraをo
In a conversation
- Aどのナイフで切りますか。
A: Which knife will you use to cut?
- Bこのナイフを使ってください。とてもいいナイフ
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
Which knife do you cut with?
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
ナイフで切りますか。
Which knife do you cut with?
More grammar in this theme
- どの〜／どれwhich one or which item
