AdverbsHSK 5
Advanced uses of 还
This structure uses 还, often paired with 呢, to express that a situation is ironic, unexpected, or shouldn't be the case. It adds a tone of incredulity or complaint, as if saying 'and yet...' or 'even though...'. Be aware that 呢 is optional but enhances the tone; misuse can make the sentence sound abrupt.
Structure
Subj. + 还 + Predicate (+ 呢)
呢 is optional but adds an incredulous tone
Examples
- 这个小孩还真聪明！Zhège xiǎohái hái zhēn cōngming!This kid is brilliant!
- 还留过学呢，英语这么差！Hái liú guo xué ne , Yīngyǔ zhème chà!He's even studied abroad, yet his English is so terrible!
- 都怪你，你还生气呢。Dōu guài nǐ, nǐ hái shēngqì ne .It's all your fault, yet you're the one who's mad.