AというかB
JLPT N3:or rather
In its corrective use, というか revises an earlier expression with a more suitable one: "A — or rather, B".
How to form it
- Say the first description, then というか and the revised description. The listener uses both parts to understand the correction.
- The revised description can be a noun, adjective or clause. A pause or comma often separates the two descriptions.
Examples
この車は赤いというか、茶色です。
This car is red—or rather, brown.
彼は友達というか、家族です。
He is a friend—or rather, family.
この仕事は難しいというか、面倒です。
This job is difficult—or rather, a hassle.
Notes
- Conversational というか, ていうか and てか can also introduce or redirect a topic. A standalone use need not revise an earlier expression; read the context.
- Contrast 〜という for naming: 田中という人 (a person called Tanaka). Corrective というか revises an expression instead.