A1 Sentence Structure 18 min read Easy

The 'One More Thing' Word: also & still (还 - hái)

Place 还 before the verb to add items to a list or show an action is still happening.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {还|hái} to mean 'still' (continuing action) or 'also/in addition' (adding more).

  • Use {还|hái} before the verb to mean 'still': {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {在|zài} {吃饭|chīfàn} (I am still eating).
  • Use {还|hái} to add information: {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ} (I also want to drink water).
  • It always sits right before the verb or the adjective it modifies.
Subject + 还 + Verb/Adjective

Overview

In Chinese grammar, the adverb 还 (hái) is a highly versatile and frequently encountered word at the A1 level. It primarily conveys two core meanings: addition (equivalent to "also," "in addition," or "besides") and continuation (meaning "still" or "yet"). Understanding 还 is fundamental because it reflects how Chinese speakers conceptualize the accumulation of actions, items, or states, and the persistence of conditions over time.

Unlike English where similar meanings might be expressed through various distinct words, 还 efficiently handles both concepts, demanding careful attention to context for accurate interpretation. Its proper usage significantly enhances the naturalness and precision of your Chinese expressions, moving beyond simple declarative sentences to express more complex relationships between elements within a sentence.

Historically, the character 还 (hái) originally depicted the idea of returning or giving back, which is pronounced huán in modern Mandarin. Over time, through semantic extension, its adverbal use developed to signify an action or state continuing or recurring, leading to its modern meanings of continuation and addition. This historical context helps explain its dual functionality; both "still" (a state returning or continuing) and "also" (adding another item to what was already present) logically extend from the concept of return or more.

How This Grammar Works

1. Expressing Addition (also, in addition, besides)
When 还 denotes addition, it signifies that something extra is being added to what has already been mentioned or implied. Crucially, this often applies when the same subject performs another action, possesses another quality, or desires another item. It acts as an accumulator, suggesting "X, and 还 Y." This differs significantly from expressing shared actions among different subjects.
For instance, if you are discussing your preferences, you might say, 我喜欢咖啡，我还喜欢茶。 (Wǒ xǐhuan kāfēi, wǒ hái xǐhuan chá.) – "I like coffee, I also like tea." Here, the subject 我 (wǒ) performs both actions. The presence of 还 indicates that liking tea is an additional preference of the same person who likes coffee.
This additive function can extend to adding properties or attributes. Consider describing someone: 她很高，还很漂亮。 (Tā hěn gāo, hái hěn piàoliang.) – "She is tall, and also very beautiful." 还 adds a second characteristic to the subject 她 (tā). It can also add items to a list or request.
When ordering, you might say, 我买一个苹果，还要一个香蕉。 (Wǒ mǎi yī ge píngguǒ, hái yào yī ge xiāngjiāo.) – "I'll buy one apple, and also want one banana." In this construction, 还 links the additional desire (要一个香蕉) to the initial action/desire, expanding on the speaker's intent.
2. Expressing Continuation (still, yet)
When 还 indicates continuation, it conveys that an action or state initiated in the past is persisting or remaining unchanged in the present moment. This usage frequently implies that the duration or expected completion of an event might have been longer than anticipated, or simply states that a situation continues to be true. It often answers the question of whether something has changed or concluded.
For example, if someone asks about the weather from yesterday, you could reply: 今天天气还很冷。 (Jīntiān tiānqì hái hěn lěng.) – "Today the weather is still very cold." This implies the cold weather has continued from a previous point.
In the context of actions, 还 demonstrates ongoing activity. If you are asked if your friend has arrived, and they haven't, you might say: 他还没到。 (Tā hái méi dào.) – "He is still not here / He hasn't arrived yet." Here, 还 combines with 没 (méi) to form the common structure 还没 (hái méi), meaning "not yet" or "still not." This directly communicates that the action of arriving is incomplete. Similarly, 他还在睡觉。 (Tā hái zài shuìjiào.) – "He is still sleeping." emphasizes that the act of sleeping is ongoing.
This usage highlights the temporal aspect, asserting that a condition or process endures.
3. Expressing Degree/Emphasis (even more, quite)
At A1, you will primarily encounter 还 in its "also" and "still" functions. However, it's worth noting that 还 can also mildly intensify or emphasize, often conveying a sense of "even more" or "quite" in specific contexts. This nuance typically appears with adjectives or states.
For instance, 这个菜还不错。 (Zhège cài hái búcuò.) – "This dish is quite good / not bad." Here, 还 modifies 不错 (búcuò), suggesting a degree of acceptability or pleasantness that is perhaps better than merely "okay" but not superlatively "excellent." This usage is less about strict addition or continuation, and more about qualifying a characteristic. For beginners, focusing on "still" and "also" is sufficient, but recognizing this mild emphatic use is helpful.

Word Order Rules

The placement of 还 in a Chinese sentence is relatively strict and crucial for correct meaning. As an adverb, 还 typically occupies a position directly after the subject and before the main verb or adjective it modifies. This adverbial position is characteristic of many adverbs in Chinese and signifies its role in commenting on the action or state that follows.
The general pattern is:
Subject + 还 + Adverb (optional) + Verb / Adjective + Object / Complement
For example:
  • 我 还 想喝一杯。 (Wǒ hái xiǎng hè yī bēi.) – "I also want to drink one more cup."
  • 他 还 在公司。 (Tā hái zài gōngsī.) – "He is still at the company."
  • 那家餐厅的菜 还 挺好吃的。 (Nà jiā cāntīng de cài hái tǐng hǎochī de.) – "The food at that restaurant is quite tasty." (Here, 挺 (tǐng) is another adverb intensifying 好吃 (hǎochī), and 还 precedes both).
It is a common error for learners to place 还 at the end of a sentence, mirroring English structures like "I want tea, too." or "He is studying still." This is incorrect in Chinese. 还 must precede the predicate it modifies. For example, 我喜欢茶还。 (Wǒ xǐhuan chá hái.) is grammatically incorrect. Similarly, placing it after the verb or adjective is also erroneous, such as 他睡觉还。 (Tā shuìjiào hái.) or 他公司在还。 (Tā gōngsī zài hái.).
Always remember 还 sits squarely before the action or state.

Formation Pattern

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Mastering the common patterns involving 还 is essential for expressing addition and continuation. The fundamental structure places 还 between the subject and the predicate, but specific variations are frequently used.
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1. Addition Pattern (Also / In Addition):
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This pattern is used when the subject performs an additional action, has an additional attribute, or wants an additional item.
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| Structure | Example Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |
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| :-------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------- |\
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| Subject + 还 + Verb (+ Obj) | 我喜欢看电影，我还喜欢听音乐。 | Wǒ xǐhuan kàn diànyǐng, wǒ hái xǐhuan tīng yīnyuè. | "I like watching movies, I also like listening to music." |\
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| Subject + 还 + Adj Phrase | 这个房子很大，还很亮。 | Zhège fángzi hěn dà, hái hěn liàng. | "This house is big, and also very bright." |\
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| Subject + 还 + 要 + Noun/Verb | 我点一个饺子，还要一碗面。 | Wǒ diǎn yī ge jiǎozi, hái yào yī wǎn miàn. | "I'll order one dumpling, and also want a bowl of noodles." |\
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| 还有 + Noun (Listing) | 房间里有桌子，还有椅子。 | Fángjiān lǐ yǒu zhuōzi, hái yǒu yǐzi. | "In the room there's a table, and also chairs." |
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The 还有 (hái yǒu) pattern is particularly useful for enumerating items, meaning "and there is also" or "in addition there is." It functions as a way to append another item to a list without repeating the main verb or creating a new full sentence structure. For instance, 我买了本书，还有一支笔。 (Wǒ mǎi le bēn shū, hái yǒu yī zhī bǐ.) – "I bought a book, and also a pen."
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2. Continuation Pattern (Still / Yet):
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This pattern conveys that an action or state is ongoing or has not yet occurred/completed.
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| Structure | Example Chinese | Pinyin | English Translation |\
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| :--------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------- |\
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| Subject + 还 + Verb (+ Obj/Compl) | 他还在看书呢。 | Tā hái zài kàn shū ne. | "He is still reading a book." |\
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| Subject + 还 + Adj | 天气还很暖和。 | Tiānqì hái hěn nuǎnhuo. | "The weather is still very warm." |\
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| Subject + 还 + 没 (+ Verb/Obj) | 我还没吃饭。 | Wǒ hái méi chīfàn. | "I haven't eaten yet." |\
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| Subject + 还 + 没 + 有 (+ Noun/Verb) | 他们还没有来。 | Tāmen hái méi yǒu lái. | "They still haven't come." |\
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Note the frequent use of 在 (zài) or 呢 (ne) with 还 for ongoing actions (他还在睡觉呢。 - He is still sleeping). The 还没 (hái méi) and 还没有 (hái méi yǒu) structures are interchangeable at this level and are critical for expressing negative continuation, essentially meaning "not yet" or "still not." While 没 (méi) is the primary negative marker for 有 (yǒu) and completed actions, its combination with 还 extends its use to states or actions that are simply not yet realized or complete.

When To Use It

Understanding when to deploy 还 effectively distinguishes native-like Chinese from literal translations. Its usage is tied to expressing nuanced relationships of accumulation and persistence.
1. To Add Another Item or Action (Addition):
Use 还 when you want to mention an additional item, action, or characteristic related to the same subject you have just talked about. It expands on the previous statement. This is highly common in daily life for making multiple requests, listing preferences, or describing multiple attributes of a single entity.
  • Listing preferences: 我喜欢吃米饭，还喜欢吃面条。 (Wǒ xǐhuan chī mǐfàn, hái xǐhuan chī miàntiáo.) – "I like to eat rice, I also like to eat noodles."
  • Making additional requests: 请给我一杯水，还要一个菜单。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ yī bēi shuǐ, hái yào yī ge càidān.) – "Please give me a glass of water, and also a menu."
  • Describing multiple qualities: 这个城市很热闹，还很干净。 (Zhège chéngshì hěn rènào, hái hěn gānjìng.) – "This city is very bustling, and also very clean."
2. To Express Continuation of a State or Action (Still / Yet):
还 is indispensable for indicating that a situation, condition, or activity is ongoing or has not changed from a previous point in time. This is particularly useful when discussing temporal persistence, unfinished tasks, or unchanging conditions.
  • Persistent conditions: 他病了三天，现在还很不舒服。 (Tā bìng le sān tiān, xiànzài hái hěn bú shūfu.) – "He has been sick for three days, and is still very uncomfortable now."
  • Ongoing actions: 现在晚上十点了，我弟弟还在写作业。 (Xiànzài wǎnshang shí diǎn le, wǒ dìdi hái zài xiě zuòyè.) – "It's ten o'clock at night, my younger brother is still doing homework."
  • Unfulfilled actions/states (还没): 你的包裹到了吗？还没。 (Nǐ de bāoguǒ dào le ma? Hái méi.) – "Has your package arrived? Not yet."
  • Cultural Insight: Using 还没 (hái méi) is a common and polite way to indicate something hasn't happened yet, implying it might still happen or is in progress. It's often used to gently decline or explain an unfinished task without sounding definitive or negative.
3. To Mildly Emphasize or Qualify (quite, not bad):
While less prominent at A1, 还 can subtly qualify adjectives, indicating a passable or acceptable degree, sometimes even a pleasant surprise. This is often seen with 可以 (kěyǐ) to form 还可以 (hái kěyǐ).
  • Acceptable quality: 这家咖啡店的咖啡还可以。 (Zhè jiā kāfēidiàn de kāfēi hái kěyǐ.) – "The coffee at this coffee shop is acceptable/not bad."
  • Moderate praise: 你的汉语说得还不错。 (Nǐ de Hànyǔ shuō de hái búcuò.) – "Your Chinese is spoken quite well."

Common Mistakes

Beginners frequently misuse 还 due to interference from English grammar or confusion with similar Chinese adverbs. Addressing these common pitfalls is key to accurate usage.
1. Confusing 还 (hái) with 也 (yě):
This is perhaps the most pervasive error. While both can be translated as "also," their fundamental functions differ. 还 adds an item/action for the same subject, while 也 expresses parallelism or shared action/characteristic among different subjects or instances.
  • Incorrect: 我喜欢咖啡，他还喜欢茶。 (Wǒ xǐhuan kāfēi, tā hái xǐhuan chá.) – Incorrect if the intent is "I like coffee, he also likes tea." (The subject 他 is different from 我).
  • Correct (with 也): 我喜欢咖啡，他也喜欢茶。 (Wǒ xǐhuan kāfēi, tā yě xǐhuan chá.) – "I like coffee, he also likes tea."
  • Correct (with 还): 我喜欢咖啡，我还喜欢茶。 (Wǒ xǐhuan kāfēi, wǒ hái xǐhuan chá.) – "I like coffee, I also like tea." (The subject 我 remains the same).
The error stems from English's flexible "also" or "too" which can apply broadly. In Chinese, the distinction of whether the subject remains the same or changes dictates the choice between 还 and 也. Always ask: Is this an additional thing by the same actor, or a parallel thing by a different actor (or another instance of the same thing)?
2. Incorrect Placement of 还 (hái):
As an adverb, 还 must precede the verb or adjective it modifies. Placing it after the predicate, at the end of the sentence, or incorrectly between components of a verb phrase is ungrammatical.
  • Incorrect: 他吃饭还。 (Tā chīfàn hái.) – (Intended: He is still eating.)
  • Correct: 他还在吃饭。 (Tā hái zài chīfàn.) – "He is still eating."
  • Incorrect: 这个手机贵还。 (Zhège shǒujī guì hái.) – (Intended: This phone is still expensive.)
  • Correct: 这个手机还很贵。 (Zhège shǒujī hái hěn guì.) – "This phone is still very expensive."
This mistake often arises from directly translating English word order, where "still" or "also" can appear in various positions. Chinese adverbs, however, have a more fixed pre-verbal/pre-adjectival position. Pay close attention to the Subject + Adverb + Verb/Adjective pattern.
3. Confusing 还 (hái) with 还 (huán):
The character 还 has two common pronunciations and meanings: hái (adverb, meaning "also," "still") and huán (verb, meaning "to return," "to give back," "to repay"). While context usually clarifies, beginners can occasionally misinterpret these. Ensure you are using the correct tone and meaning based on the sentence's grammatical structure.
  • 我 还 书。 (Wǒ huán shū.) – "I return the book." (Verb, huán)
  • 我 还 没看完这本书。 (Wǒ hái méi kànwán zhè běn shū.) – "I still haven't finished reading this book." (Adverb, hái)
4. Overlooking the Nuance of 还 (hái) for Emphasis/Qualification:
While 还 primarily signals addition or continuation, its mild emphatic use (as in 还可以 - acceptable, 还不错 - not bad) is often underestimated by learners. They might translate it too literally as "still good" or "also good," missing the implication of "passably good" or "surprisingly good for what it is." This usage is more common in nuanced evaluations.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Chinese has several adverbs that, at first glance, appear similar to 还 but carry distinct meanings. Differentiating these is a hallmark of increasing fluency.
1. 还 (hái) vs. 也 (yě)
This is the most critical distinction for A1 learners. Both can translate to "also" in English, but their functions in Chinese are fundamentally different.
| Feature | 还 (hái) | 也 (yě) |\
| :---------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------- |\
| Core Meaning | Addition/Accumulation (another item/action by same subject); Continuation (still, yet). | Parallelism/Similarity (likewise, similarly, too, either). |
| Subject Focus | Same subject performing an additional action/having an additional attribute. | Different subject performing the same action or sharing the same attribute as another subject. Or the same subject doing the same thing in a different instance/context. |\
| Sentence Role | Adds something new to what the subject is already doing/having/being. | Shows a shared characteristic or action between two entities or events. |\
| Example 1 | 我喜欢看书，我还喜欢听音乐。 (Wǒ xǐhuan kàn shū, wǒ hái xǐhuan tīng yīnyuè.) – "I like reading, I also like listening to music." (Same subject, 我, adding another preference). | 他喜欢看书，我也喜欢看书。 (Tā xǐhuan kàn shū, wǒ yě xǐhuan kàn shū.) – "He likes reading, I also like reading." (Different subjects, 他 and 我, sharing the same preference). |\
| Example 2 | 这份工作钱很多，还很有意思。 (Zhè fèn gōngzuò qián hěn duō, hái hěn yǒuyìsi.) – "This job pays well, and is also very interesting." (Same subject, 工作, adding another attribute). | 他去过中国，我也去过中国。 (Tā qùguò Zhōngguó, wǒ yě qùguò Zhōngguó.) – "He has been to China, I also have been to China." (Different subjects, 他 and 我, sharing the same experience). |\
| Example 3 | 我点了一杯咖啡，还要一块蛋糕。 (Wǒ diǎn le yī bēi kāfēi, hái yào yī kuài dàngāo.) – "I ordered a coffee, and also want a piece of cake." (Same subject 我, adding another request). | 他明天不去，我也不去。 (Tā míngtiān bú qù, wǒ yě bú qù.) – "He is not going tomorrow, I am also not going." (Different subjects, 他 and 我, sharing the same negative action). |\
2. 还 (hái) vs. 再 (zài)
Both 还 and 再 can imply "more" or "again," but they are used in different temporal contexts.
| Feature | 还 (hái) | 再 (zài) |\
| :---------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------- |\
| Core Meaning | Continuation (still, yet) or Current Addition (also, in addition). | Repetition/Future Addition (again, once more, then). Implies a future action. |\
| Temporal Focus | Refers to what is happening or existing now, or an addition to the current situation. | Refers to an action that will happen again or later in the future. |\
| Example 1 | 我还没吃饭。 (Wǒ hái méi chīfàn.) – "I haven't eaten yet." (Ongoing state of not having eaten). | 我再吃一点。 (Wǒ zài chī yī diǎn.) – "I'll eat a little more / I'll eat again." (Future additional action). |\
| Example 2 | 他还在睡觉。 (Tā hái zài shuìjiào.) – "He is still sleeping." (Action continuing in the present). | 你再等一下。 (Nǐ zài děng yī xià.) – "You wait a little longer." (Request for a future continuation of waiting). |\
| Example 3 | 你还想买什么？ (Nǐ hái xiǎng mǎi shénme?) – "What else do you still want to buy?" (Asking about additional current desires). | 你再买一个。 (Nǐ zài mǎi yī ge.) – "You buy one more." (Instruction for a future additional purchase). |\
3. 还 (hái) vs. 又 (yòu)
While less frequently confused with 还 at A1, 又 also denotes repetition. The key difference lies in the timing of the repeated action.
| Feature | 还 (hái) | 又 (yòu) |\
| :---------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------- |\
| Core Meaning | Continuation (still, yet); Addition (also). | Repetition of a completed action/event in the past (again, moreover). |
| Temporal Focus | Present/Ongoing or Future (for addition). | Past action that has already occurred again. |\
| Example 1 | 我还没去过北京。 (Wǒ hái méi qùguò Běijīng.) – "I still haven't been to Beijing." (Unchanged state). | 他昨天又迟到了。 (Tā zuótiān yòu chídào le.) – "He was late again yesterday." (Past repeated action). |\

Real Conversations

Observe how 还 is used naturally in various contemporary contexts.

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Scenario 1

Chatting with friends about weekend plans (social media/texting)
A

A

你周末想去哪里玩？ (Nǐ zhōumò xiǎng qù nǎlǐ wán?) – "Where do you want to go this weekend?"
B

B

我想去公园，我还想去看看电影。 (Wǒ xiǎng qù gōngyuán, wǒ hái xiǎng qù kànkan diànyǐng.) – "I want to go to the park, I also want to go watch a movie."
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Scenario 2

Discussing work progress (casual office chat)
A

A

你的报告写完了吗？ (Nǐ de bàogào xiě wán le ma?) – "Have you finished your report?"
B

B

还没呢，我还在找资料。 (Hái méi ne, wǒ hái zài zhǎo zīliào.) – "Not yet, I'm still looking for information."
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Scenario 3

Describing a restaurant experience (online review/chat)
A

A

那家新开的餐厅怎么样？ (Nà jiā xīn kāi de cāntīng zěnmeyàng?) – "How's that newly opened restaurant?"
B

B

菜品还可以，服务也挺好的。 (Càipǐn hái kěyǐ, fúwù yě tǐng hǎo de.) – "The dishes are pretty good/acceptable, the service is also quite good."

- Observation: Here, 还 is used to qualify 可以 about the dishes, while 也 (yě) is used to add another positive attribute (服务挺好的) about the restaurant in parallel to the first (菜品还可以).

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Scenario 4

Ordering at a bubble tea shop (in-person)
C

Customer

我要一杯珍珠奶茶，还要一个鸡蛋仔。 (Wǒ yào yī bēi zhēnzhū nǎichá, hái yào yī ge jīdànzǎi.) – "I want a bubble milk tea, and also an egg waffle."
S

Scenario 5

Following up on a trip (text message)
A

A

你到酒店了吗？ (Nǐ dào jiǔdiàn le ma?) – "Have you arrived at the hotel?"
B

B

还没，我的航班还晚点了。 (Hái méi, wǒ de hángbān hái wǎndiǎn le.) – "Not yet, my flight was also delayed." (Here 还 emphasizes an additional negative circumstance.)

Quick FAQ

Q: Can 还 be used at the very beginning of a sentence?
A: Generally, no, as it's an adverb modifying the predicate. However, you will often hear 还有... (Hái yǒu...) at the start of a new thought or list, functioning as "and also..." or "what's more...". For example, 还有，别忘了带护照。 (Hái yǒu, bié wàng le dài hùzhào.) – "Also, don't forget to bring your passport."
Q: How do 还 and 也 behave in negative sentences?
A: 还 usually combines with 没 (méi) to mean "still not" or "not yet" (还没). 也 typically precedes 不 (bù) or 没 (méi) to mean "also not" or "neither" (也不, 也没). For instance, 我还没吃饭。 (Wǒ hái méi chīfàn.) – "I haven't eaten yet." vs.
我也不喜欢。 (Wǒ yě bù xǐhuan.) – "I also don't like it."
Q: Does 还 always imply something positive when used for emphasis (like 还不错)?
A: Not necessarily, but it implies a level of acceptability or a moderate degree. 还不错 (hái búcuò) means "not bad" or "pretty good." It can sometimes convey a slight tone of surprise or a measured evaluation, suggesting it's better than one might have expected, rather than just overtly positive.
Q: When listing items, why use 还有 instead of just 和 (hé) for "and"?
A: 和 (hé) typically links items within a simple list, like "A and B." 还有 (hái yǒu) implies "and there is still (this item)," often used to introduce an additional item or a final item to an ongoing list, giving a sense of accumulation. It's often used when you're extending a list you've already started. For example, 我买了苹果、香蕉，还有橘子。 (Wǒ mǎi le píngguǒ, xiāngjiāo, hái yǒu júzi.) – "I bought apples, bananas, and also oranges."

Formation of {还|hái} sentences

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 还 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {吃|chī}
Negative
Subj + 还 + 没 + Verb
{他|tā} {还|hái} {没|méi} {来|lái}
Question
Subj + 还 + Verb + 吗?
{你|nǐ} {还|hái} {去|qù} {吗|ma}?
Addition
Subj + 还 + 有 + Obj
{这儿|zhèr} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {人|rén}
Adjective
Subj + 还 + 很 + Adj
{天|tiān} {还|hái} {很|hěn} {黑|hēi}
Past/Completed
Subj + 还 + 没 + Verb + 了
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {吃|chī} {了|le}

Meanings

A versatile adverb used to express the continuation of a state ('still') or the addition of an item/action ('also/in addition').

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Continuation

Something is still happening or a state persists.

“{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} {睡觉|shuìjiào} (He is still sleeping).”

“{天|tiān} {还|hái} {很|hěn} {亮|liàng} (It is still bright outside).”

2

Addition

Adding more to a list or quantity.

“{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {这个|zhège} (I also want this one).”

“{除了|chúle} {咖啡|kāfēi}，{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {喝|hē} {茶|chá} (Besides coffee, I also drink tea).”

Reference Table

Reference table for The 'One More Thing' Word: also & still (还 - hái)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 还 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ}
Negative
Subj + 还 + 没 + Verb
{他|tā} {还|hái} {没|méi} {走|zǒu}
Question
Subj + 还 + Verb + 吗?
{你|nǐ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {吗|ma}?
Adjective
Subj + 还 + 很 + Adj
{路|lù} {还|hái} {很|hěn} {远|yuǎn}
Addition
Subj + 还 + 有 + Obj
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {钱|qián}
Emphasis
Subj + 还 + 是 + Verb
{他|tā} {还|hái} {是|shì} {来|lái} {了|le}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
{我|wǒ} {仍|réng} {希望|xīwàng} {前往|qiánwǎng}

{我|wǒ} {仍|réng} {希望|xīwàng} {前往|qiánwǎng} (Expressing desire)

Neutral
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù}

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} (Expressing desire)

Informal
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {呢|ne}

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù} {呢|ne} (Expressing desire)

Slang
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {得|děi} {去|qù}

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {得|děi} {去|qù} (Expressing desire)

The two faces of {还|hái}

{还|hái}

Continuation

  • {还|hái} {在|zài} Still doing
  • {还|hái} {没|méi} Not yet

Addition

  • {还|hái} {要|yào} Also want
  • {还|hái} {有|yǒu} Also have

{还|hái} vs {也|yě}

{还|hái} (Addition/Continuation)
{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {一瓶|yīpíng} I want one more bottle
{也|yě} (Similarity)
{我|wǒ} {也|yě} {要|yào} {一瓶|yīpíng} I also want a bottle (like you)
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {一个|yīgè} {苹果|píngguǒ}

I also want an apple.

2

{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} {学校|xuéxiào}

He is still at school.

3

{这儿|zhèr} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {水|shuǐ}

There is also water here.

4

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù}

I also want to go.

1

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {看|kàn} {电影|diànyǐng}

I haven't watched the movie yet.

2

{除了|chúle} {中文|zhōngwén}，{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {学|xué} {英文|yīngwén}

Besides Chinese, I also study English.

3

{你|nǐ} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {什么|shénme} {问题|wèntí}?

Do you have any more questions?

4

{天气|tiānqì} {还|hái} {很|hěn} {冷|lěng}

The weather is still very cold.

1

{他|tā} {不仅|bùjǐn} {聪明|cōngmíng}，{还|hái} {很|hěn} {努力|nǔlì}

He is not only smart but also hardworking.

2

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {以为|yǐwéi} {你|nǐ} {走|zǒu} {了|le}

I actually thought you had left.

3

{这|zhè} {件|jiàn} {衣服|yīfu} {还|hái} {可以|kěyǐ}

This piece of clothing is still okay (acceptable).

4

{我们|wǒmen} {还|hái} {得|děi} {等|děng} {一会|yīhuì}

We still have to wait a while.

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {情况|qíngkuàng} {还|hái} {会|huì} {持续|chíxù} {几天|jǐtiān}

This situation will still continue for a few days.

2

{他|tā} {还|hái} {没|méi} {意识到|yìshídào} {问题|wèntí} {的|de} {严重性|yánzhòngxìng}

He still hasn't realized the severity of the problem.

3

{即便|jíbiàn} {很|hěn} {累|lèi}，{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} {坚持|jiānchí}

Even though he is tired, he is still persisting.

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {方案|fāng'àn} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {改进|gǎijìn} {的|de} {空间|kōngjiān}

This plan still has room for improvement.

1

{这|zhè} {不仅|bùjǐn} {是|shì} {一个|yīgè} {挑战|tiǎozhàn}，{还|hái} {是|shì} {一个|yīgè} {机遇|jīyù}

This is not only a challenge but also an opportunity.

2

{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} {思考|sīkǎo} {如何|rúhé} {解决|jiějué} {这个|zhège} {难题|nántí}

He is still pondering how to solve this difficult problem.

3

{即便|jíbiàn} {面对|miànduì} {困难|kùnnán}，{他|tā} {还|hái} {是|shì} {选择|xuǎnzé} {了|le} {留下|liúxià}

Even when facing difficulties, he still chose to stay.

4

{这|zhè} {项|xiàng} {研究|yánjiū} {还|hái} {处于|chǔyú} {初步|chūbù} {阶段|jiēduàn}

This research is still in the preliminary stage.

1

{此|cǐ} {举|jǔ} {还|hái} {将|jiāng} {带来|dàilái} {深远|shēnyuǎn} {的|de} {影响|yǐngxiǎng}

This action will also bring about profound influence.

2

{他|tā} {还|hái} {未|wèi} {完全|wánquán} {领悟|lǐngwù} {其中|qízhōng} {的|de} {深意|shēnyì}

He still has not fully grasped the deep meaning within.

3

{尽管|jǐnguǎn} {历经|lìjīng} {沧桑|cāngsāng}，{他|tā} {还|hái} {保持|bǎochí} {着|zhe} {初心|chūxīn}

Despite experiencing the vicissitudes of life, he still maintains his original intention.

4

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {现象|xiànxiàng} {还|hái} {值得|zhídé} {我们|wǒmen} {进一步|jìnyíbù} {探讨|tàntǎo}

This phenomenon is still worthy of our further discussion.

Easily Confused

The 'One More Thing' Word: also & still (还 - hái) vs {还|hái} vs {也|yě}

Both mean 'also'.

The 'One More Thing' Word: also & still (还 - hái) vs {还|hái} vs {再|zài}

Both relate to 'more'.

The 'One More Thing' Word: also & still (还 - hái) vs {还|hái} vs {太|tài}

Both used with adjectives.

Common Mistakes

✗

{我|wǒ} {要|yào} {咖啡|kāfēi} {还|hái}

✓

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {咖啡|kāfēi}

Adverbs must come before the verb.
✗

{他|tā} {还|hái} {很|hěn} {高兴|gāoxìng} {吗|ma}?

✓

{他|tā} {还|hái} {高兴|gāoxìng} {吗|ma}?

Don't double up on degree adverbs unless necessary.
✗

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

✓

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {在|zài} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

For ongoing actions, you need {在|zài}.
✗

{还|hái} {我|wǒ} {要|yào} {水|shuǐ}

✓

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {水|shuǐ}

Subject always comes first.
✗

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {去|qù} {了|le}

✓

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {去|qù}

{了|le} is for completed actions, {还|hái} {没|méi} is for incomplete.
✗

{他|tā} {也|yě} {在|zài} {等|děng}，{还|hái} {在|zài} {等|děng}

✓

{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} {等|děng}

Use {还|hái} for continuation, not {也|yě}.
✗

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {好|hǎo} {想|xiǎng} {你|nǐ}

✓

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {你|nǐ}

Don't add extra words.
✗

{不仅|bùjǐn} {他|tā} {聪明|cōngmíng}，{还|hái} {他|tā} {努力|nǔlì}

✓

{不仅|bùjǐn} {他|tā} {聪明|cōngmíng}，{而且|érqiě} {还|hái} {很|hěn} {努力|nǔlì}

Structure needs {而且|érqiě} for balance.
✗

{还|hái} {有|yǒu} {什么|shénme} {要|yào} {做|zuò} {的|de}?

✓

{还|hái} {有|yǒu} {什么|shénme} {要|yào} {做|zuò} {吗|ma}?

Need a question marker.
✗

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn} {呢|ne}

✓

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}

The {呢|ne} is optional but changes tone.
✗

{还|hái} {未|wèi} {完成|wánchéng} {任务|rènwù}

✓

{任务|rènwù} {还|hái} {未|wèi} {完成|wánchéng}

Subject-first is standard.
✗

{这|zhè} {还|hái} {是|shì} {一个|yīgè} {问题|wèntí}

✓

{这|zhè} {依然|yīrán} {是|shì} {一个|yīgè} {问题|wèntí}

Use {依然|yīrán} for formal 'still'.
✗

{他|tā} {还|hái} {要|yào} {去|qù} {吗|ma}?

✓

{他|tā} {还|hái} {去|qù} {吗|ma}?

Verb is enough.

Sentence Patterns

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} ___.

{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} ___.

{除了|chúle} ___, {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {喜欢|xǐhuān} ___.

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {问题|wèntí} {还|hái} {需要|xūyào} ___.

Real World Usage

Ordering food constant

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {一瓶|yīpíng} {水|shuǐ}.

Texting friends very common

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {在|zài} {路上|lùshang}.

Job interview common

{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {会|huì} {使用|shǐyòng} {Excel|Excel}.

Travel common

{我们|wǒmen} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {多远|duōyuǎn}?

Social media common

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {地方|dìfāng} {还|hái} {不错|bùcuò}.

Shopping common

{这|zhè} {件|jiàn} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {别的|biéde} {颜色|yánsè} {吗|ma}?

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💡

The Verb Hug

Always keep {还|hái} right before the verb. Think of it as a hug—it never lets go!
⚠️

Don't end with {还|hái}

Never place {还|hái} at the end of a sentence. It will sound very unnatural to native speakers.
🎯

Use with {在|zài}

When talking about something happening right now, use '{还|hái} {在|zài} + Verb' for perfect flow.
💬

Politeness

Adding {还|hái} when asking for more items makes your request sound more natural and less demanding.

Smart Tips

Use '{还|hái} {有|yǒu}' to sound natural.

{我|wǒ} {要|yào} {水|shuǐ}。{我|wǒ} {要|yào} {茶|chá}。 → {我|wǒ} {要|yào} {水|shuǐ}，{还|hái} {有|yǒu} {茶|chá}。

Use '{还|hái} {在|zài}' to explain your status.

{我|wǒ} {在|zài} {路上|lùshang}。 → {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {在|zài} {路上|lùshang}。

Use '{还|hái} {没|méi}' to be precise.

{我|wǒ} {没|méi} {做|zuò} {完|wán}。 → {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {做|zuò} {完|wán}。

Use '{还|hái} {是|shì}' for emphasis.

{他|tā} {来|lái} {了|le}。 → {他|tā} {还|hái} {是|shì} {来|lái} {了|le}。

Pronunciation

hái (like 'hi' but rising)

Tone

The character {还|hái} is in the second tone (rising).

Question

{你|nǐ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {吗|ma}↗

Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of {还|hái} as a 'Plus' sign. It adds more to your sentence!

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a plate of food. They finish it, but then they hold out their hand for 'one more'—that's {还|hái}!

Rhyme

Before the verb, {还|hái} you place, to add more items or keep up the pace.

Story

Xiao Wang is eating dinner. He finishes his rice, but he is still hungry. He says, '{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {要|yào} {一碗|yīwǎn} {饭|fàn}' (I also want a bowl of rice). Even though he is full, he is still eating. He says, '{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {在|zài} {吃|chī}' (I am still eating).

Word Web

{还|hái} {在|zài}{还|hái} {没|méi}{还|hái} {要|yào}{还|hái} {有|yǒu}{还|hái} {是|shì}{还|hái} {好|hǎo}

Challenge

For the next 5 minutes, describe everything you are doing using '{还|hái} {在|zài}...' and everything you want using '{还|hái} {要|yào}...'!

Cultural Notes

Used constantly in daily life for everything from ordering food to checking status.

Similar usage, often paired with particles like {呢|ne} for a softer tone.

The concept of {还|hái} is often translated using '仲' (zung6) in Cantonese.

The character {还|hái} originally meant to return or go back.

Conversation Starters

“

{你|nǐ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {学|xué} {什么|shénme}?

“

{你|nǐ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {去|qù} {过|guò} {哪里|nǎlǐ}?

“

{除了|chúle} {工作|gōngzuò}，{你|nǐ} {还|hái} {做|zuò} {什么|shénme}?

“

{你|nǐ} {认为|rènwéi} {这|zhè} {个|gè} {问题|wèntí} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {什么|shénme} {解决|jiějué} {方法|fāngfǎ}?

Journal Prompts

Write about your day. What did you finish, and what are you still doing?
List 3 things you want to learn in the future.
Describe a hobby you have. What else do you like to do besides that?
Discuss a current event. What is still happening, and what else should be done?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with {还|hái}.

{我|wǒ} ___ {要|yào} {一个|yīgè} {苹果|píngguǒ}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {还|hái}
We are adding an item to a list.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {在|zài} {吃饭|chīfàn}
Adverb must be before the verb.
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{他|tā} {没|méi} {来|lái} {还|hái}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {还|hái} {没|méi} {来|lái}
Adverb placement.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

{想|xiǎng} / {我|wǒ} / {还|hái} / {去|qù}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù}
Subject + Adverb + Verb.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I still have one question.

Answer starts with: {我|...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {一个|yīgè} {问题|wèntí}
Standard structure.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All match
Basic definitions.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

{除了|chúle} {咖啡|kāfēi}，{我|wǒ} ___ {喝|hē} {茶|chá}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {还|hái}
Adding to a list.
Transform to negative. Sentence Transformation

{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} {工作|gōngzuò}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {还|hái} {没|méi} {工作|gōngzuò}
Negative of {还|hái} {在|zài} is {还|hái} {没|méi}.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with {还|hái}.

{我|wǒ} ___ {要|yào} {一个|yīgè} {苹果|píngguǒ}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {还|hái}
We are adding an item to a list.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {在|zài} {吃饭|chīfàn}
Adverb must be before the verb.
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

{他|tā} {没|méi} {来|lái} {还|hái}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {还|hái} {没|méi} {来|lái}
Adverb placement.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

{想|xiǎng} / {我|wǒ} / {还|hái} / {去|qù}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {想|xiǎng} {去|qù}
Subject + Adverb + Verb.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

I still have one question.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我|wǒ} {还|hái} {有|yǒu} {一个|yīgè} {问题|wèntí}
Standard structure.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match the Chinese to English.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All match
Basic definitions.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

{除了|chúle} {咖啡|kāfēi}，{我|wǒ} ___ {喝|hē} {茶|chá}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {还|hái}
Adding to a list.
Transform to negative. Sentence Transformation

{他|tā} {还|hái} {在|zài} {工作|gōngzuò}.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā} {还|hái} {没|méi} {工作|gōngzuò}
Negative of {还|hái} {在|zài} is {还|hái} {没|méi}.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

6 exercises
I want a burger, and also a coke. Fill in the Blank

{我|wǒ}{要|yào}{汉堡|hànbǎo}，___ {要|yào}{可乐|kělè}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {还|hái}
He is still working. Sentence Reorder

Arrange:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他|tā}{还|hái}{在|zài}{工作|gōngzuò}
Correct the word order. Error Correction

{我还没去北京也|wǒ hái méi qù Běijīng yě}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我还没去北京|wǒ hái méi qù Běijīng}
Translate: 'Is there anything else?' Translation

Translate the phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {还有吗？|háiyǒu ma?}
Pick the correct response to 'How is the food?' Multiple Choice

{菜|cài}{怎么样|zěnmeyàng}？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {还可以|hái kěyǐ}
Match the Chinese to the English. Match Pairs

Match the meanings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Match pairs correctly.

Score: /6

FAQ (8)

No, {还|hái} must always come before the verb or adjective.

Not exactly. {也|yě} is for similarity, {还|hái} is for addition or continuation.

Use '{还|hái} {没|méi} + Verb'. Example: '{我|wǒ} {还|hái} {没|méi} {吃|chī} {饭|fàn}' (I haven't eaten yet).

Yes, it can mean 'still' (e.g., '{天|tiān} {还|hái} {很|hěn} {亮|liàng}' - It is still bright).

Use '{还|hái} {有|yǒu}' (also have) or '{还|hái} {要|yào}' (also want).

It is neutral and used in all registers.

It is a polyphonic character. 'Huán' means 'to return', while 'hái' is the adverb.

No, use {太|tài} for 'too'.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

English high

still / also

Chinese {还|hái} must always be before the verb.

Spanish moderate

todavía / también

Spanish adverbs can often move around the sentence.

German moderate

noch / auch

German requires verb-second position, Chinese is SVO.

Japanese moderate

mada / mata

Japanese is SOV, so the adverb placement is different.

Arabic partial

لا يزال (la yazal)

Arabic uses a verb phrase, while Chinese uses a simple adverb.

Chinese high

还

Context determines the pronunciation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Also / Too (也 yě)
Next
The All-Inclusive Word: {都|dōu} (All/Both)

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