Compound: 不是……还/还是……
不是……，还/还是……
Express that something is not sufficient on its own and additional action or consideration is needed
This pattern states that merely doing A is not enough — there is still B that needs to happen. 不是 negates the sufficiency of the first action, while 还 or 还是 introduces the additional requirement or suggestion.
还 (hái) = "also / still" — adds a requirement. 还是 (háishi) = "it would be better to" — adds a suggestion or recommendation. The choice between 还 and 还是 changes the tone from obligation to advice.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Compound: 不是……还/还是…… (不是……，还/还是……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 不是……，还/还是…… pattern
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Understanding 不是……，还/还是……
This pattern is about managing expectations and adding nuance. When someone thinks doing one thing is enough, you use 不是……还/还是…… to say "hold on — that is not the whole picture." For example, 不是读完了就可以了，还应该写一篇作文 means "It is not enough to just finish reading — you should also write an essay." The pattern is extremely practical in academic, professional, and daily contexts. With 还, you are adding a firm requirement. With 还是, you are softening it into a suggestion. This distinction is subtle but important for navigating Chinese social dynamics, where direct commands can feel too harsh and suggestions are often preferred.
Key Points
- 不是 + action + 就可以了/就行了 = "it is not enough to just do X."
- 还 introduces an additional requirement: "you also need to do Y."
- 还是 introduces a softer suggestion: "you should probably also do Y."
- The first clause often ends with 就可以了, 就行了, or 就好了 to express "that is all."
- This pattern is common in advice-giving, teaching, and workplace communication.
- Can be used to correct someone's oversimplification of a situation.
Chinese communication often favors indirectness. Using 还是 instead of 还 when giving advice softens the statement, making it sound like a gentle suggestion rather than a command. This aligns with the cultural value of giving others "face" (面子 miànzi) by not being too blunt.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
不是读完了就可以了，还应该写一篇作文。
It is not enough to just finish reading — you should also write an essay.
Adding a requirement
这事不是你想做就能做的，还是要听听老板的意见。
This is not something you can just do because you want to — you should listen to the boss's opinion.
Gentle suggestion
不是道了歉就行了，还得用行动来证明。
It is not enough to just apologize — you also need to prove it with actions.
不是有了钱就幸福了，还需要健康和家人。
Having money alone does not bring happiness — you also need health and family.
不是背了单词就行，还是要多练习口语。
It is not enough to memorize vocabulary — you should also practice speaking more.
Study advice
这件衣服不是便宜就好，还得看质量。
Clothes are not good just because they're cheap — you also need to look at quality.
Common Mistakes
The second clause uses 还 (also/still), not 但是 (but). The pattern adds a requirement, not a contrast.
The 不是……还是 pattern adds a suggestion about what ELSE should be done, not about who should do it instead. If you want to suggest a different person, restructure the sentence.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 还 when you are stating a fact or firm requirement. Use 还是 when you want to sound advisory and gentle.
This pattern is perfect for giving advice: "It is not enough to just X — you also need to Y."
Common endings for the first clause: 就可以了, 就行了, 就好了, 就够了.
Practice by thinking of common oversimplifications: "Just study hard and you'll succeed" — then add what else is needed.
Homework
Write five sentences using 不是……还/还是……: two about study habits, two about life wisdom, and one about a workplace situation. Use 还 in three sentences and 还是 in two, and notice how the tone differs.