HSK 3

N1 还是 N2 (indirect)

N1 háishi N2

N1 or N2 (in question-like clauses)

Structure

Subject + [Verb of Uncertainty] + Option A + 还是 + Option B

How it works

The conjunction '还是' (háishì) is used to express 'or' when offering options. In this HSK 3 context, it is used within an indirect question or a statement involving uncertainty, such as 'I don't know' or 'I haven't decided.'

Examples

我不知道他是中国人还是日本人。

Wǒ bù zhīdào tā shì Zhōngguórén háishì Rìběnrén.

I don't know if he is Chinese or Japanese.

我还没决定喝咖啡还是喝茶。

Wǒ hái méi juédìng hē kāfēi háishì hē chá.

I haven't decided yet whether to drink coffee or tea.

请告诉我你明天上午来还是下午来。

Qǐng gàosù wǒ nǐ míngtiān shàngwǔ lái háishì xiàwǔ lái.

Please tell me whether you are coming tomorrow morning or afternoon.

Common mistakes

Using '或者' (huòzhě) instead of '还是' in sentences that imply a choice or uncertainty between two options.

Tip

Remember: '或者' is for simple statements (I like A or B), while '还是' is for choices, questions, and sentences expressing uncertainty (I don't know if A or B).

More HSK 3 grammar

V 好一 + M + N + 也／都 + 不 + V 那 V1了就 V2 V 来／去 V somewhere 来／去 V O 来／去 V 来／去 O

See N1 还是 N2 (indirect) in real Chinese

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