Grammar · Chapter 38
要么…要么…: either… or…
要么 A，要么 B (要么 B 就 …)
要么…要么… stands right before each of the two options: 周末我们要么去爬山，要么在家看电影. One option is chosen, not both; after the second 要么 you often add 就: 要么就推迟到下周. In English it's plain 'either… or…', but each option needs its own 要么 — one for both is not enough.
Examples
- 周末我们要么去爬山，要么在家看电影。 Zhōumò wǒmen yàome qù páshān, yàome zài jiā kàn diànyǐng. On weekends we either go hiking or watch a film at home.
- 要么你讲，要么我讲。 Yàome nǐ jiǎng, yàome wǒ jiǎng. Either you speak, or I do.
- 这个问题要么今天解决，要么就推迟到下周。 Zhè ge wèntí yàome jīntiān jiějué, yàome jiù tuīchí dào xià zhōu. This problem must either be solved today, or be put off until next week.