What is the difference between 还是 and 或者?
Both translate as "or". Use 还是 in a question that asks someone to pick one option: 你喝茶还是咖啡？ Use 或者 in a statement, when either option is fine: 喝茶或者咖啡都可以. 还是 also means "still" and "had better" (还是早点睡吧), which 或者 never does.
| 还是 | or in a choice question: 你今天去还是明天去？ |
|---|---|
| 或者 | or in a statement: 周末我看书或者去公园 |
还是 háishi
From the readings on this site
- 我说：“你喝茶还是喝咖啡？”I say, "Would you like tea or coffee?"HSK 1 · 喝茶还是咖啡
- 服务员问我：“您要热的还是冰的？”The server asks me: "Would you like it hot or iced?"HSK 2 · 买咖啡
- 服务员问：“你们想吃羊肉还是鱼？”The waiter asked: "Would you like lamb or fish?"HSK 2 · 羊肉还是鱼
或者 huòzhě
From the readings on this site
- 周末的时候，我经常和朋友一起去爬山，或者骑自行车。On weekends I often go hiking with friends, or we ride bikes.HSK 3 · 锻炼身体
- 你可以出去走走，听听音乐，或者跟朋友聊聊天。You can go out for a little walk, listen to some music, or have a chat with friends.HSK 4 · 压力与放松
- 相亲就是父母或者朋友帮你介绍一个还不认识的人，看看你们合不合适。A blind date is when your parents or friends introduce you to someone you don't know yet, to see if you're a good match.HSK 4 · 相亲