HSK 1
用“还是”提问
yòng “ hái shì ” tí wèn
Using "还是" to ask about choices
Explanation
还是 (háishì — "or") is used to form an alternative question, i.e. asking the listener to choose one of two (or more) options presented.
Option A + 还是 (háishì) + Option B ？ For example 你喝水还是喝牛奶 (Do you drink water or milk), 她妈妈是老师还是医生 (Is her mother a teacher or a doctor).
when you present ready-made options for the listener to choose one. The respondent only needs to state the option they choose, not answer "yes/no".
a question with 还是 does NOT add 吗 (ma) at the end — these are two different types of question (吗 is used for yes/no questions). Don't confuse 还是 (asking "or") with 或者 (huòzhě — "or", used in declarative sentences).
adding 吗 to the end of a sentence with 还是 (wrong: 你喝水还是喝牛奶吗？).
Examples
Is her mother a teacher or a doctor?
Do you drink water or milk?
Practice
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Learn “用“还是”提问” effectively
The grammar point “用“还是”提问” (Using "还是" to ask about choices) is one of the key structures at HSK 1. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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