语法 · HSK 2–3
还是 (háishì) vs 或者 (huòzhě): how to say "or" in Chinese
Use 还是 in questions offering a choice ("A or B?"): 你喝茶还是喝咖啡？ and in embedded "whether A or B" clauses (我不知道他今天来还是明天来). Use 或者 in statements ("either A or B is fine"): 茶或者咖啡都可以. Notice that 还是 questions do not take 吗 at the end.
句型Patterns
A + 还是 + B？（no 吗）Direct choice question: 你去还是我去？不知道 / 看看 + A + 还是 + BEmbedded question.A + 或者 + B (+ 都行 / 都可以)Declarative statement.
例句Examples
- 你今天去还是明天去？nǐ jīn tiān qù hái shì míng tiān qù?Are you going today or tomorrow?
- 周末我常在家看书或者看电影。zhōu mò wǒ cháng zài jiā kàn shū huò zhě kàn diàn yǐng.At weekends I often read or watch films at home.
- 我不确定他是上海人还是北京人。wǒ bú què dìng tā shì shàng hǎi rén hái shì běi jīng rén.I'm not sure whether he is from Shanghai or Beijing.
- 我们坐地铁或者打车去吧。wǒ men zuò dì tiě huò zhě dǎ chē qù ba.Let's take the metro or a taxi there.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗你喜欢猫或者狗？
✓你喜欢猫还是狗？
Choice questions always use 还是, never 或者.
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✗你喝茶还是喝咖啡吗？
✓你喝茶还是喝咖啡？
还是 already makes the sentence a question; do not add 吗.
重点词语Words in this guide
Common questions
What else does 还是 mean?
Before a verb in a statement, 还是 means "still" or "had better": 外面冷，你还是穿件外套吧 "It's cold out; you'd better wear a coat".