或者 vs 还是
Pick the right “or” with fast examples plus an interactive cloze quiz.
Words in this guide
或者 and 还是 both look like “or,” but they live in different places. 或者 belongs in statements; 还是 belongs in questions. Get the pattern down, then lock it in with a quick fill-in-the-blank quiz below.
或者 — “or” in statements
Use 或者 when you're describing options, not asking. It's a neutral "or" that keeps the sentence declarative.
Example: 我明天喝咖啡或者茶。 — “Tomorrow I'll drink coffee or tea.”
Example: 我想吃泡面或者担担面。 — “I want to eat instant noodles or dan dan noodles.”
还是 — “or” in questions
Use 还是 to ask someone to choose between a set of options. It is used in questions that require a choice.
Example: 你想喝咖啡还是茶？ — “Do you want coffee or tea?”
Example: 你想吃泡面还是担担面？ — “Do you want instant noodles or dan dan noodles?”
Try the “or” fill-in-the-blank quiz
Type the missing character or use multiple choice to complete the sentence, then press enter to check your answer.
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