还 (hái) — still, also, in addition

还 (hái)

A versatile adverb with three main uses: "still" (an action continues), "also/in addition" (adding to a list), and "even" (for comparisons). Context determines which meaning applies.

Meanings

1. [adverb] Still. Indicates that a situation or action is continuing.
2. [adverb] Also, in addition. Adds more information to a list or description.
3. [adverb] Even (in comparisons). Indicates something is more so than previously stated.

Three uses illustrated

Use 1: Still (continuing) 他还在睡觉。(Tā hái zài shuìjiào.) — He is still sleeping.

Use 2: Also / in addition 她会说汉语，还会说英语。(She can speak Chinese, and also English.)

Use 3: Even more (comparison) 今天比昨天还冷。(Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān hái lěng.) — Today is even colder than yesterday.

Example Sentences

他还没来。 Tā hái méi lái. He still hasn't come.

我想喝水，还想吃苹果。 Wǒ xiǎng hē shuǐ, hái xiǎng chī píngguǒ. I want to drink water and also want to eat an apple.

她还在学汉语吗？ Tā hái zài xué Hànyǔ ma? Is she still studying Chinese?

这件衣服比那件还贵。 Zhè jiàn yīfu bǐ nà jiàn hái guì. This item of clothing is even more expensive than that one.

Collocations

Memory Hook

还 wears three hats. Check the sentence structure: if something is ongoing, 还 means "still." If you are adding to a list, 还 means "also/in addition." If you see a comparison with 比, 还 means "even more." The context will guide you to the right meaning.