还
HSK 2- Other
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 还 (hái) is used to indicate that an action or state is still ongoing, carrying the meaning of "still" or "yet."
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
还 (hái) is a very common adverb meaning "still" or "yet." It expresses that an action or state is continuing and has not changed from before.
还 typically appears directly before the verb or adjective it modifies. When used in negative sentences, the structure is usually 还没(有) + Verb, meaning "still haven't done something."
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他还在睡觉。繁: 他還在睡覺。Tā hái zài shuìjiào.
He is still sleeping.
- 你怎么还在这里？繁: 你怎麼還在這裡？Nǐ zěnme hái zài zhèlǐ?
Why are you still here?
- 我都吃饱了，他还想吃。繁: 我都吃飽了，他還想吃。Wǒ dōu chī bǎo le, tā hái xiǎng chī.
I am already full, but he still wants to eat.
- 他还没来。繁: 他還沒來。Tā hái méi lái.
He hasn't arrived yet.
- 外面还很冷。繁: 外面還很冷。Wàimiàn hái hěn lěng.
It's still very cold outside.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他工作还。Correct:他还工作。
The adverb 还 must come before the verb. The correct structure is "还 + Verb".
- Wrong:他还没吃饭吗？Correct:他还没吃饭吗？
This is a correct sentence, but Vietnamese speakers often make mistakes when answering. Use "还没" (not yet) or "吃了" (already eaten) in the response, not "不".