还

• Pinyin: hái
• Hanzi breakdown: 还 = 辶 (movement) + simplified right component — same character as 还 (huán) but different pronunciation and meaning

Meaning

Still; also; in addition. Indicates continuation of a state or adds supplementary information.

When pronounced hái, it is an adverb meaning 'still' (他还在睡觉) or 'also/in addition' (我还想吃). Placed before the verb or adjective it modifies. Not to be confused with 还 (huán) meaning 'to return something'.

Examples

1. 你还在学校吗？ Are you still at school?
2. 我还想吃一碗饭。 I want to eat another bowl of rice.
3. 他还没来。 He hasn't arrived yet.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我还没吃饭。(I haven't eaten yet.)
• 你还要什么？(What else do you want?)

Don't Say

• 我还去了北京。(Ambiguous — for 'I also went to Beijing', 我也去了北京 is clearer when 还 could be misread as hái vs huán)

Origin & History

The traditional form 還 contains 辶 (movement) and 睘 (phonetic). Originally meant 'to return' (huán), later extended to 'still/also' (hái) — a rare case where one character has two distinct pronunciations and meanings.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal