The Modal Adverb "还" (hái)

In Mandarin Chinese, the modal adverb "还" (hái) is commonly used to express an additional degree or addition to an existing context or situation. It can also be used to convey expectation, uncertainty, or a shade of surprise.

Usage:

• Additional Degree: "还" is used to add to an existing assertion or context, indicating that something is happening even more than expected.
  • 我吃了两个苹果，还 吃了一个梨。(Wǒ chī le liǎng gè píngguǒ, hái chī le yīgè lí.) - I ate two apples, and even ate one pear.
• Expectation or Uncertainty: "还" can also be used to express expectation or uncertainty about additional information.
  • 他昨天晚上没回家，还 不知道在哪里。(Tā zuótiān wǎnshàng méi huí jiā, hái bù zhīdào zài nǎlǐ.) - He didn't come home last night, and even I don't know where he is.

Examples:

• 我打电话给他了，还 是无人接听。(Wǒ dǎ diànhuà gěi tā le, hái shì wúrén jiētīng.) - I called him, but nobody answered.
• 我昨天下午去超市了，还 买了很多东西。(Wǒ zuótiān xiàwǔ qù chāoshì le, hái mǎi le hěnduō dōngxī.) - I went to the supermarket yesterday afternoon and even bought a lot of things.

Additional Notes:

• Context and intonation can influence the precise meaning of "还" in different situations.
• "还" is commonly used in spoken language to add additional information or clarification.