Mini-Test Answer: 还是 (háishì)

Beginner Level 初级 (chūjí)

The right answer to this question is A.

Translation:

         Nǐ xǐhuan chī Zhōngguó cài háishì Yìdàlì cài?
Mike: 你喜欢     吃   中国         菜   还是    意大利菜？
         Which one do you prefer, Chinese dishes or Italian dishes?

         Dāngrán shì Zhōngguó cài le.
Lucy: 当然       是   中国           菜了。
         Certainly I prefer Chinese dishes.

Analysis:

The terms “或者 (huòzhě)” and “还是 (háishì)” in English can be translated into “or.” Yet, in usage they are different. “或者” is usually used in declarative sentence to show an option.

For example:

Wǒ dǎsuàn míngtiān huòzhě hòutiān qù Běijīng.
我    打算      明天         或者     后天        去北京。
I plan to go to Beijing tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.   

However, the term “还是” is used in interrogative sentences to show an option or in negative sentences to show uncertainty.

For example:
1.
        Nǐ hē kāfēi háishì chá?
Tom: 你喝 咖啡  还是   茶？
        Which would you prefer, coffee or tea?

        Kāfēi ba.
 Ann: 咖啡 吧。
        Coffee, please.

2.
Wǒ bù zhīdao tā jīntiān lái háishì míngtiān lái.
我 不   知道   他 今天  来   还是     明天     来。
I don’t know whether he will come today or tomorrow.

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