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March 24, 2026
还是(還是)háishi(hai2shi5)
还是 (hái shì) is a conjunction meaning 'or' and is often used to present alternatives or choices. Additionally, it can imply 'still' or 'nevertheless' in contexts where one might suggest an ongoing situation despite challenges or contrasting conditions.
Frequency#206DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, making choices is often accompanied by a sense of obligation or consideration for others, reflected in how 还是 is used in conversations about personal decisions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person in a dilemma, holding two signs: one says 'still' (还) and the other 'is' (是). Visualize them deciding between two options, reminding you that 还是 means 'or' as in choosing between options, while also conveying the idea of 'still' in certain contexts.
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AI Study Notes for 还是
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person in a dilemma, holding two signs: one says 'still' (还) and the other 'is' (是). Visualize them deciding between two options, reminding you that 还是 means 'or' as in choosing between options, while also conveying the idea of 'still' in certain contexts.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 还是 with 还是 not only in meaning but also in context. It's used in both formal and informal settings. Be careful with tones; saying it incorrectly might change the meaning dramatically.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 还是 connects well with other conjunctions and question words. Students should focus on practicing sentences that involve choices to grasp its use fully.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, making choices is often accompanied by a sense of obligation or consideration for others, reflected in how 还是 is used in conversations about personal decisions.
Common Mistakes
Learners may misuse 还是 in statements where 但是 (but) is more appropriate, such as saying '我喜欢这个，还是很贵' instead of '我喜欢这个，但是很贵' (I like this, but it's expensive). Another common error is omitting the correct tone, leading to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 还是
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Grammar Patterns of 还是
还是 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Although the car is basically sound, I was worried about certain areas.
10
这是20世纪早期的萨塞克斯乡村，那时还是用马拉犁。
zhè shì20 20 shì jì zǎo qī de sà sāi kè sī xiāng， cūn ， nà shí huán shì yòng mǎ。
This is early-20th-century rural Sussex, when horses still pulled the plough.
Cultural Notes for 还是
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, making choices is often accompanied by a sense of obligation or consideration for others, reflected in how 还是 is used in conversations about personal decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 还是
Yes, 还是 can start a sentence to suggest an alternative or to emphasize a choice.
还是 is used for choices in a question or when suggesting alternatives, while 或者 is more neutral and often used in statements.
Not always; ensure the context suits the meaning of 'still' rather than just 'or'.
