还是 vs 吗 Questions
Pick the right question shape for open yes-or-no questions and direct choices.
Pattern
Choice + 还是 + choice？ / statement + 吗？
Use 还是 for choosing between options, and 吗 for yes-or-no.
你喝茶还是咖啡？
When to use 还是 vs 吗 Questions
吗 asks whether one statement is true. 还是 presents two or more options and asks the listener to choose.
你喝咖啡吗？
Do you drink coffee?
今天去还是明天去？
Go today or tomorrow?
你坐地铁还是打车？
Are you taking the subway or a taxi?
你今天有空吗？
Are you free today?
Common traps
- Do not add 吗 after a 还是 question.
- Do not use 或者 as the main connector in a direct choice question.
- If there is only one proposition, 吗 is usually the cleaner question.
Targeted drill
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