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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.
Strokes16Frequency#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
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.
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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How Well Do You Know 还是?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 还是 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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.
When to use 还是
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.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 还是
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.
