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HSK 2.0 Level 5+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 5 min read

还X呢 for “And You Call Yourself …?”

Use 还X呢 to tease someone who doesn’t live up to a title or a claim, as in 还大学生呢.

Pattern

还 + title / claim + 呢，+ what shows the opposite

还X呢 repeats a title or claim in order to doubt it: “Some X you are!” A second clause gives the proof.

还大学生呢，连这个字都不认识。

When to use 还X呢 for “And You Call Yourself …?”

Put a title, role or description between 还 and 呢: 还大学生呢, 还北京人呢, 还班长呢. Then add a clause showing that the person doesn’t act like one. The meaning is “and you call yourself X?”

还北京人呢，连长城都没去过。

Some Beijinger you are! You’ve never even been to the Great Wall.

还班长呢，自己开会都迟到。

Some class monitor! You’re late to the meeting yourself.

还哥哥呢，一点儿也不让着妹妹。

Some big brother you are! You never let your little sister have her way.

现在才六点，还早呢，再睡一会儿吧。

It’s only six. It’s still early, so sleep a little longer.

Common traps

  • Don’t leave out 呢; 还大学生 alone doesn’t work as a retort.
  • Follow it with the proof: 还大学生呢，连这个都不知道.
  • It’s teasing and can sound rude; use it only with friends and family.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

班长呢，自己开会都迟到

Some class monitor! You’re late to the meeting yourself
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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