ConjunctionsHSK 4
Comparing 还是 and 或者
Use 还是 (hái shi) to present alternatives in questions, and 或者 (huò zhě) to list options in statements. A typical error is using 还是 in a declarative sentence instead of 或者.
Structure
Option A + 还是 + Option B ?
Option A + 或者 + Option B
Examples
- 你喜欢他还是我？Nǐ xǐhuan tā háishì wǒ?Do you like him or me?
- 你喝茶还是喝咖啡？Nǐ hē chá háishì hē kāfēi?Do you drink tea or coffee?
- 你中午出去吃还是叫外卖？Nǐ zhōngwǔ chūqù chī háishì jiào wàimài?Are you going out for lunch or ordering take-out?