In 15 Seconds
- Use it to ask 'A or B?' in questions.
- Use it to say 'still' for ongoing situations.
- Use it to make a final suggestion after thinking.
- Never use it for 'or' in plain statements.
Meaning
Think of it as a way to offer a choice between two things or to say that something is 'still' the case despite a change in plans.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering drinks at a cafe
你喝咖啡还是喝茶？
Do you drink coffee or tea?
Deciding on a weekend plan
我们还是去公园吧。
Let's go to the park after all.
A boss asking for a report status
你还在写报告吗？还是写完了？
Are you still writing the report? Or is it finished?
Cultural Background
Used constantly in street markets and business meetings. Usage is identical to the mainland.
Question vs Statement
Always check if you are asking a question or making a statement.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to ask 'A or B?' in questions.
- Use it to say 'still' for ongoing situations.
- Use it to make a final suggestion after thinking.
- Never use it for 'or' in plain statements.
What It Means
还是 is a linguistic Swiss Army knife. It mainly does two jobs. First, it asks a question between two options. Second, it expresses that a situation remains unchanged. It is the bridge between choices and consistency.
How To Use It
When offering a choice, put it between two nouns or verbs. It is like saying 'Option A or Option B?' in a question. For the 'still' meaning, put it before the verb. It shows that after considering everything, the result is the same. You use it to show preference or persistence.
When To Use It
Use it at a restaurant when asking 'Coffee or tea?'. Use it when you are indecisive about a movie. Use it when your friend asks if you are still working late. It is perfect for clarifying decisions. It feels natural in almost any daily conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 还是 for 'or' in a statement. If you are saying 'I like tea or coffee,' use 或者 instead. 还是 is strictly for questions when used as 'or'. Also, do not use it to mean 'still' for physical movement. Use it for states of being or decisions.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values harmony and offering options. Using 还是 softens a request by making it a choice. It shows you are considering the other person's preference. It is the polite way to nudge someone toward a decision. It reflects a mindset of comparison and ultimate selection.
Common Variations
Sometimes you will hear 还是...吧. This turns a choice into a gentle suggestion. It sounds like 'Let's just go with this option.' You might also hear 还是那样, which means 'still the same.' It is the classic response to 'How are you?'.
Usage Notes
Very versatile and safe for all levels of formality. Just remember the 'question vs. statement' rule for 'or'.
Question vs Statement
Always check if you are asking a question or making a statement.
Examples
6你喝咖啡还是喝茶？
Do you drink coffee or tea?
Classic use of 'or' in a question.
我们还是去公园吧。
Let's go to the park after all.
Used here to make a final suggestion.
你还在写报告吗？还是写完了？
Are you still writing the report? Or is it finished?
Combines 'still' and 'or' logic in one flow.
你还是没出门吗？
Have you still not left the house?
Expresses a bit of disbelief that a state hasn't changed.
我们还是点外卖吧，为了安全。
Let's just order takeout, for safety's sake.
Using 'still' to suggest a better alternative.
我还是喜欢你。
I still like you.
Shows a feeling that remains despite time or obstacles.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
你想喝水______咖啡？
It is a question, so we use {还是|háishì}.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises你想喝水______咖啡？
It is a question, so we use {还是|háishì}.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use {或者|huòzhě}.
Related Phrases
或者
contrastor (statement)
仍然
synonymstill
