还是

hái shi

HSK 2.0 Level 3 HSK 3.0 Level 2 Adverb Very common

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Definitions

1. still (as before)
2. had better
3. unexpectedly
4. or

Word relationships

Related words

2 items

or

还是 used in questions, 或者 used in statements

or

alternative form meaning 'or'

Synonyms

1 item

still; as before; yet

still, as before

Usage notes

Common mistakes

还是 is used in questions that ask someone to choose between options; 或者 is for statements.

Grammar

Guides that feature 还是

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2 guides

HSK 2.0 Level 2+ HSK 3.0 Level 2+ 6 min

或者 vs 还是

Choose the right “or” for statements, lists, and choice questions.

Reading: hái shi Open guide

HSK 2.0 Level 2+ HSK 3.0 Level 2+ 6 min

还是 vs 吗 Questions

Pick the right question shape for open yes-or-no questions and direct choices.

Reading: hái shi Open guide

Example Sentences

5 shown

他还是不死心。

He still hasn't given up hope.

我还是单身。

I am still single.

他思前想后，还是不敢做决定。

He pondered over the past and future but still dared not make a decision.

他们分手以后还是朋友。

They remained friends after breaking up.

你喜欢茶还是咖啡？

Do you like tea or coffee?

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Words Containing 还是

姓蒋还是姓汪

xìng jiǎng hái shi xìng wāng

friend or foe? (quote from 沙家浜[shā jiā bāng]) (蔣|蒋[jiǎng] here refers to Chiang Kai-shek 蔣介石|蒋介石[jiǎng jiè shí] and 汪[wāng] refers to Wang Jingwei 汪精衛|汪精卫[wāng jīng wèi])

Child Words of 还是

to be (followed by substantives only)

still

to pay back