[Learn basic Chinese with grammar] The difference between 或者 and 還是

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The difference between 或者 and 還是

或者 ♬ and 還是 ♬ can both mean “or,” but they are used differently.

Word	Main use	Meaning
或者	statements	or
還是	questions	or

1. Use 或者 in statements

Use 或者 when you give options in a statement.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
你可以喝茶或者咖啡。 ♬	Nǐ kěyǐ hē chá huòzhě kāfēi.	You can drink tea or coffee.

2. Use 還是 in questions

Use 還是 when you ask someone to choose between options.

Chinese	Pinyin	English
你要喝茶還是咖啡？ ♬	Nǐ yào hē chá háishì kāfēi?	Do you want tea or coffee?

For beginners, remember this simple rule: use 或者 for statements, and 還是 for choice questions.

Useful words and example sentences