Grammar Point:
还是 háishì is a Chinese phrase that can have a few different meanings. In this article, we are going to talk about its usage in questions, where it is typically translated to “or” in English.
Structure
Option 1 + 還是/还是 + Option 2
你愛他還是我?你爱他还是我?
Who do you love, him or me?
你要喝咖啡還是茶?你要喝咖啡还是茶?
Do you want coffee or tea?
你要什麼時候去超市,明天下午還是今天晚上?你要什么时候去超市,明天下午还是今天晚上?
When do you want to go to the supermarket, tomorrow afternoon or tonight?
外帶還是內用?外带还是内用?
Takeaway or eat in? (A common phrase you will hear in restaurants.)
這裡還是帶走?这里还是带走?
Here or to go? (A common phrase you will hear in restaurants.)
你要吃藥還是打針?你要吃药还是打针?
Do you want medication or an injection? (A common phrase you will hear in hospital.)
你覺得這個網站很好還是非常好?你觉得这个网站很好还是非常好?
Do you think this website is good or very good?
你要麵包還是愛情?你要面包还是爱情?
Do you want bread or love?
FYI
你要面包还是爱情 nǐ yào miànbāo háishì àiqíng is a Chinese idiom that translates to “Do you want bread or love?” in English. It is often used to describe a choice between material comfort and emotional fulfillment.
In modern times, the phrase has taken on a more light-hearted meaning and is often used in a playful manner to ask someone what they prioritize more: material goods or emotional fulfillment. For example, if someone is trying to decide between buying a new car or going on a romantic trip with their partner, their friend might jokingly ask them, “Do you want bread or love?”
If you want to use ‘or’ in declarative sentences, you need to use 或者 huòzhě or 或是 huòshì. (HSK 2)
- Had better with 还是 háishì (HSK 2)