のやら〜のやら
“Whether … or … (uncertain) / I can’t tell if … or …” → Used to express uncertainty, confusion, or inability to judge, by listing two possible explanations or states.
N1
Meaning
“Whether … or … (uncertain) / I can’t tell if … or …” → Used to express uncertainty, confusion, or inability to judge, by listing two possible explanations or states.
Formation
Clause (plain form) + のやら 〜 Clause (plain form) + のやら
Noun + な + のやら 〜 Noun + な + のやら
Explanation
のやら〜のやら is used when the speaker:
is unsure which of the two possibilities is true
cannot clearly judge the situation
feels confusion or lack of information
The speaker does not present options to choose from.
Instead, they are saying:
“I don’t know which it is.”
This grammar is commonly used in:
reflective writing
narrative descriptions
explanatory passages
JLPT N1 reading passages
The tone is soft, indirect, and uncertain.
💡 Core nuance:
“I can’t tell whether it’s A or B.”