Still/Also (还)

还 is one of the most frequently used adverbs in Chinese and has multiple meanings depending on context. The two core meanings are "still" (continuation) and "also/additionally."

As "still," 还 indicates that a situation continues unchanged: 他还在睡觉 — "He is still sleeping." 你还记得我吗？ — "Do you still remember me?" This usage implies that the speaker expected a possible change but the state persists.

As "also" or "in addition," 还 adds new information: 我会说英语，还会说中文 — "I can speak English, and I can also speak Chinese." This use is close to 也, but 还 emphasizes addition rather than similarity. Compare: 他也喜欢咖啡 (He also likes coffee — like someone else does) vs. 他还喜欢咖啡 (He additionally likes coffee — on top of other things he likes).

还 can also soften comparisons or express "passably/fairly": 这个菜还可以 — "This dish is okay / not bad." And it appears in the pattern 还是 for "or" in questions: 你喝茶还是咖啡？ — "Do you drink tea or coffee?" Context always determines which meaning of 还 is intended.