Usage of 还 (hái)
The character 还 is a versatile adverb commonly used to express 'still', 'yet', or 'also'. It often appears in sentences to indicate that an action or state continues to hold true at the present moment, such as in "他还没到公司" (He still hasn't arrived at the company). It can also add information, meaning 'in addition' or 'besides', as in "除了英语，他还会说法语" (Besides English, he can also speak French).
Common Collocations
- 还没 + verb: indicates an action has not happened yet (e.g., 还没决定 - haven't decided yet).
- 还要 + verb: expresses an additional action or requirement (e.g., 还要照顾 - still have to take care).
- 还会 + verb: indicates ability or possibility in addition to something else (e.g., 还会说 - can also speak).
Nuances and Usage Notes
When 还 is used to mean 'still' or 'yet', it often appears before verbs or verb phrases and emphasizes continuity or persistence. When used to mean 'also' or 'in addition', it highlights extra information or an additional fact.
Avoid confusing 还 (hái) with 还 (huán) meaning 'to return' or 'to give back'; they are homographs but differ in tone and meaning. The context and tone mark clarify which meaning is intended.
Register and Tone
还 is neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Mandarin. It is appropriate in formal and informal contexts.
Understanding 还 well helps learners express ongoing states, additional information, and polite offers or questions naturally.