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How to Say ‘Or’ in Simplified Chinese

还是

hái shì

[háishì]

💬 Usage Tip: [还是] often means "or" when offering alternatives, but after one idea it can also mean "or rather / how about instead," like here. You'll also hear it in lines like [我们坐车还是走路?] "Shall we go by car or walk?"

Phrase Breakdown

还是

hái shì

[háishì]

or

Used to offer alternative options or choices.

Example

你要茶还是咖啡?

Do you want tea or coffee?

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