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还是

hái shi
HSK 2.0 Level 3 HSK 3.0 Level 2 Adverb Very common

Definitions

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

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Word relationships

Related words

2 items
或者
huò zhě

or

还是 used in questions, 或者 used in statements
或是
huò shì

or

alternative form meaning 'or'

Synonyms

1 item
仍然
réng rán

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

是
shì

to be (followed by substantives only)

还
hái

still

还
huán

to pay back