Difference between revisions of "Advanced uses of "hai""
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| − | Aside from its [[还|other uses]], 还 (hái) can be used to express a surprised tone. | + | Aside from its [[还|other uses]], 还 (hái) can be used to express a surprised or sarcastic tone, and can also be used with rhetorical questions. |
== Expressing a Tone of Surprise == | == Expressing a Tone of Surprise == | ||
Revision as of 04:04, 14 January 2021
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Aside from its other uses, 还 (hái) can be used to express a surprised or sarcastic tone, and can also be used with rhetorical questions.
Contents
Expressing a Tone of Surprise
Structure
Often used with 呢, this sentence structure expresses that the situation as irrational, uncommon, or unexpected.
Subj. + 还 + Predicate (+ 呢)
Examples
- 这个 小孩 还 真 聪明 ！This kid is brilliant!
- 还 留 过 学 呢 ，英语 这么 差 ！He's even studied abroad, yet his English is so terrible!
- 都 怪 你 ，你 还 生气 呢 。It's all your fault, yet you're the one who's mad.
Expressing a Tone of Sarcasm
Structure
It can also be used to express astonishment, dissatisfaction, or sarcasm.
Subj. + 还 + Noun Phrase (+ 呢)
Examples
- 还 好朋友 呢 ，天天 说 我 坏话 。What a "good friend"! Talking trash about me every day.
- 还 大 老板 呢 ，一点 也 不 大方 。Some "big boss," not generous in the least.
Used in a Rhetorical Question
还 can change a statement into a rhetorical question when used with 吗.
Structure
Subj. + 还 + [Verb Phrase] + 吗 ?
Examples
- 他 那么 有钱 ，还 在乎 这 点 钱 吗 ？He has so much money, would he really care about this small amount?
- 这 种 人 你 还 相信 吗 ？Would you believe this kind of person?
- 过期 的 牛奶 你 还 喝 吗 ？Would you drink expired milk?
- 今天 这么 热，你 还 出门 吗 ？It's so hot today, yet you're going out now?
- 他 说 的 话，你 还 听 吗 ？Are you going to listen to what he says?
