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(くるま)は赤(あか)いというか、茶色(ちゃいろ)です。

This car is red—or rather, brown.

彼(かれ)は友達(ともだち)というか、家族(かぞく)です。

He is a friend—or rather, family.

この仕事(しごと)は難(むずか)しいというか、面倒(めんどう)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(たなか)という人(ひと) (a person called Tanaka). Corrective というか revises an expression instead.