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还是 vs 或者: Two Ways to Say ‘Or’
Use 还是 when someone still has to choose, and 或者 when either option is fine.
Quick answer
还是 = or, when a choice is still open · 或者 = or, when either option is fine
热的还是冰的？
hot or iced?
明天或者后天
tomorrow or the day after
Hear the phrase, then repeat it aloud.
When to use it
Use 还是 when someone has to choose
: 你喝茶还是咖啡？ It also stays in statements about an open choice: 我还没想好喝茶还是咖啡。 Use 或者 when either option is fine
: 我们明天或者后天去。
Common mistake
Using 或者 in a choice question. 你喝茶或者咖啡？ does not ask the listener to choose; use 还是.
- Not
你喝茶或者咖啡？- Say
- 你喝茶还是咖啡？
Practise aloud
Read each conversation from top to bottom.
你要热的还是冰的？ Would you like it hot or iced?
冰的，谢谢。 Iced, thanks.
你是学生还是老师？ Are you a student or a teacher?
我们周六或者周日见吧。 Let’s meet on Saturday or Sunday.
You’ve got this!
A quick test: if someone still has to pick one, use 还是. If any of the options would do, use 或者.