What it means
AというかBというか presents two possible ways to characterize the same person, thing, situation, or action. The speaker is not making a precise choice between A and B; instead, they are hesitating, revising their wording, or suggesting that both descriptions are relevant. The second description often narrows, strengthens, or corrects the first. The construction is neutral in register, so the surrounding sentence can be made familiar or polite.
Usage note
AというかBというか is usually used to qualify or soften a characterization, not to ask the listener to choose between A and B. The two expressions should normally describe the same subject or situation from related perspectives.
How to use it
彼は研究者というか芸術家というか、分類しにくいです。
He is, if anything, a researcher or perhaps an artist, so he is difficult to classify.
その店は静かというか穏やかというか、夕方には客がほとんどいません。
That store is quiet, or perhaps peaceful, and there are hardly any customers there in the evening.
この試験は難しいというか厳しいというか、十分な準備が必要です。
This exam is difficult, or perhaps demanding, so sufficient preparation is necessary.
彼は計画を忘れたというか放棄したというか、説明を避けています。
He has, if anything, forgotten the plan or abandoned it, and he is avoiding an explanation.
彼は研究者というか芸術家というか、分類しにくい。
He is, if anything, a researcher or perhaps an artist, so he is difficult to classify.
その店は静かというか穏やかというか、夕方には客がほとんどいない。
That store is quiet, or perhaps peaceful, and there are hardly any customers there in the evening.
この試験は難しいというか厳しいというか、十分な準備が必要だ。
This exam is difficult, or perhaps demanding, so sufficient preparation is necessary.
彼は計画を忘れたというか放棄したというか、説明を避けている。
He has, if anything, forgotten the plan or abandoned it, and he is avoiding an explanation.