hái yǒu: 还有 - Also, In Addition, Still
Quick Summary
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Summary: Learn how to use 还有 (hái yǒu), a fundamental and versatile Chinese word meaning 'also,' 'in addition,' or 'still.' This comprehensive guide covers the essential grammar of 还有, its various meanings like 'furthermore' and 'what else,' and provides practical examples to help you master this common HSK 1 conjunction. Understand the key differences between 还有 (hái yǒu) and 也 (yě) to avoid common mistakes and speak more naturally.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): hái yǒu
Part of Speech: Adverb / Conjunction
HSK Level: HSK 1
Concise Definition: Used to indicate addition (“also,” “in addition”) or continuation (“still”).
In a Nutshell: 还有 is your go-to word for adding items to a list, whether you're listing things, actions, or ideas. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of saying “…and there's more!” or “also…” It can also mean “still,” indicating that a state or quantity continues to exist. It's one of the first and most useful words you'll learn in Mandarin.
Character Breakdown
还 (hái): This character's primary meaning here is “still,” “yet,” or “in addition.” It carries the sense that something more exists or continues.
有 (yǒu): This is one of the most common characters in Chinese, meaning “to have” or “there is/are.”
When combined, 还有 (hái yǒu) literally translates to “still have” or “there is still.” This powerfully conveys the idea of adding something new to what has already been mentioned.
Cultural Context and Significance
While 还有 is a functional grammar word rather than a deep cultural concept like 关系 (guānxi), its usage reflects a common pattern in Chinese communication: building up information layer by layer.
In English, we might use separate sentences or more abrupt conjunctions. In Chinese, 还有 provides a smooth, natural bridge to continue a thought, add another reason, or list more items without breaking the conversational flow. It signals to the listener, “Wait, I'm not done yet; there's another piece to this.” This helps create a more connected and comprehensive narrative, whether one is telling a story, giving instructions, or making a point in a discussion. It's less like the English “also” and more like “and on top of that…” or “plus…” in its ability to keep the listener engaged and expecting more.
Practical Usage in Modern China
还有 is incredibly common in daily life. Its meaning shifts slightly based on context.
1. Adding to a List ("Also", "In addition")
This is the most common usage. It's used to add another noun, verb, or clause to what's already been said.
`Subject + Verb + Object 1, 还有 + Object 2.`
2. Indicating Continuation ("Still")
This usage is closer to the literal meaning of “still have.” It indicates that a quantity of something remains or that a situation is ongoing.
`Subject + 还有 + [Noun/Time/etc.]`
3. Asking "What else?" or "Who else?"
In questions, 还有 is used to ask what or who else there is. It's extremely common when ordering food or shopping.
`还有 + [Question Word] + …?` (e.g., 还有什么? 还有谁?)
Example Sentences
Example 1: (Adding Nouns)
我想买苹果、香蕉,还有一些牛奶。
Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng mǎi píngguǒ, xiāngjiāo, hái yǒu yīxiē niúnǎi.
English: I want to buy apples, bananas, and also some milk.
Analysis: This is the classic usage of 还有 for creating a shopping list. It connects the final item, 牛奶 (milk), to the preceding items.
Example 2: (Adding Actions/Clauses)
周末我喜欢看书,听音乐,还有跟朋友见面。
Pinyin: Zhōumò wǒ xǐhuān kànshū, tīng yīnyuè, hái yǒu gēn péngyǒu jiànmiàn.
English: On weekends I like to read, listen to music, and also meet up with friends.
Analysis: Here, 还有 links a third activity (跟朋友见面) to the list of hobbies.
Example 3: (Asking “What else?”)
服务员:您好,您要点什么?顾客:我要一个汉堡,一杯可乐…嗯…还有别的吗?
Pinyin: Fúwùyuán: Nín hǎo, nín yào diǎn shénme? Gùkè: Wǒ yào yīgè hànbǎo, yībēi kělè… en… hái yǒu bié de ma?
English: Waiter: Hello, what would you like to order? Customer: I'll have a hamburger, a coke… hmm… is there anything else?
Analysis: This is a common pattern in service situations. The customer uses 还有 to inquire about other options on the menu. A more direct question would be 还有什么? (What else is there?).
Example 4: (Meaning “Still Have”)
别担心,我们还有很多时间。
Pinyin: Bié dānxīn, wǒmen hái yǒu hěnduō shíjiān.
English: Don't worry, we still have a lot of time.
Analysis: In this context, 还有 means “still have,” indicating that the resource (time) has not been exhausted.
Example 5: (Meaning “Still” in a question)
作业做完了吗? 还有多少没写?
Pinyin: Zuòyè zuò wánliǎo ma? Hái yǒu duōshǎo méi xiě?
English: Is the homework finished? How much is still not written?
Analysis: Here, 还有 is used to ask about the remaining quantity of an unfinished task.
Example 6: (Adding another person)
今天谁会来参加会议?有张经理,李秘书,还有我。
Pinyin: Jīntiān shéi huì lái cānjiā huìyì? Yǒu Zhāng jīnglǐ, Lǐ mìshū, hái yǒu wǒ.
English: Who is coming to the meeting today? There's Manager Zhang, Secretary Li, and also me.
Analysis: Perfect for listing people. It connects “me” to the list of attendees.
Example 7: (As a transitional phrase)
这家餐厅的菜很好吃,价格也便宜。还有,他们的服务态度非常好。
Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de cài hěn hǎochī, jiàgé yě piányí. Hái yǒu, tāmen de fúwù tàidù fēicháng hǎo.
English: This restaurant's food is delicious, and the price is cheap. Furthermore, their service is excellent.
Analysis: Used at the beginning of a sentence, 还有 acts as a transition word, similar to “Furthermore” or “In addition,” to add another supporting point.
Example 8: (In a negative sentence)
我已经等了一个小时了,他还有没来。 (Slightly less common, often just 还)
Pinyin: Wǒ yǐjīng děngle yīgè xiǎoshíle, tā hái yǒu méi lái.
English: I've already waited for an hour, and he still hasn't come.
Analysis: While grammatically possible, it's more common to simply use
还 (hái) in this context: 他还没来 (tā hái méi lái). Using 还有 can sometimes imply a list of things that haven't happened.
Example 9: (Simple HSK 1 sentence)
我有一个哥哥,还有一个妹妹。
Pinyin: Wǒ yǒu yīgè gēgē, hái yǒu yīgè mèimei.
English: I have an older brother, and also a younger sister.
Analysis: A textbook example of using 还有 to list family members.
Example 10: (Adding a reason)
我不想去那个派对,因为太远了,还有,我明天要早起。
Pinyin: Wǒ bùxiǎng qù nàgè pàiduì, yīnwèi tài yuǎnle, hái yǒu, wǒ míngtiān yào zǎoqǐ.
English: I don't want to go to that party because it's too far away. Also, I have to get up early tomorrow.
Analysis: 还有 is used effectively here to add a second reason for not wanting to go.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
The most significant point of confusion for learners is the difference between 还有 (hái yǒu) and 也 (yě). Both can be translated as “also,” but they are not interchangeable.
Mistake 1: Confusing 还有 (hái yǒu) with 也 (yě)
Mistake 2: Using 还有 when just 还 (hái) is needed
Rule: When you simply mean “still” in the sense of an action continuing,
还 (hái) is usually sufficient and more natural. 还有 implies “still have” or “there is still.”
Correct 还 Usage:
Awkward 还有 Usage:
`他还有在睡觉。` (Awkward/Incorrect). This sounds like you are listing things, e.g., “He is eating, and also sleeping.” which is illogical.
也 (yě) - Functionally different from 还有. Means “also” or “too,” but used when a different subject performs the same action.
还 (hái) - The root character of 还有. On its own, it most often means “still” or “yet” in the context of a continuing action or state.
另外 (lìngwài) - A more formal way to say “in addition” or “furthermore.” Often used at the beginning of a sentence as a transition.
而且 (érqiě) - Means “moreover” or “and also.” It's used to connect two clauses, where the second often adds a stronger or more important point.
然后 (ránhòu) - Means “then” or “afterwards.” It indicates a sequence of events, not a list of items. Don't confuse adding to a list (还有) with the next step in a process (然后).
以及 (yǐjí) - A formal, often written, connector meaning “as well as” or “and.” Used to link nouns in a list, similar to 还有 but less common in casual speech.
再说 (zàishuō) - Means “what's more” or “furthermore.” It's often used to add another reason, especially in informal conversation.