PrettyFluent
This is just a lesson preview. Get the interactive lesson free on PrettyFluent
🚄❓✈️

How to Say ‘Will you take the high-speed train or fly?’ in Simplified Chinese

你坐高铁还是坐飞机?

nǐ zuò gāo tiě hái shì zuò fēi jī

[nee dzwaw gāotiě high shr dzwaw fēijī]

💬 Usage Tip: 还是 means "or" only in questions: 茶还是咖啡? "Tea or coffee?". In statements, "or" is 或者 (huò zhě).

Phrase Breakdown

你坐高铁

nǐ zuò gāo tiě

you take the high-speed train

坐 (zuò) means 'to take' a vehicle. 高铁 (gāotiě) is China's high-speed rail. Both syllables of 高铁 are high, level tones.

Example

你坐高铁去上海吗?

Are you taking the high-speed train to Shanghai?

Words in this phrase

你

nǐ

[nee]

you

The informal or neutral word for “you,” suitable for peers or casual conversation.

Example

如果对方和你年纪差不多,可以说“认识你”。

If the other person is about your age, you can say “nice to meet you” with 你.

坐

zuò

[dzwaw]

to sit; to take a bus/train

坐 can mean sit, but in travel it often means ride or take transportation.

Example

我坐公交去学校。

I take the bus to school.

高铁

gāo tiě

[gāotiě]

high-speed rail

China's fast train network.

Example

我坐高铁去上海。

I take the high-speed train to Shanghai.

还是坐飞机?

hái shì zuò fēi jī

or take a plane?

还是 (háishì) means 'or' in questions that offer a choice. 飞机 (fēijī) means airplane. Raise your voice slightly at the end because it's a question.

Example

喝茶还是喝咖啡?

Tea or coffee?

Words in this phrase

还是

hái shì

[high shr]

or

还是 is used to present choices, like asking which option someone wants.

Example

你要热的还是冰的?

Do you want it hot or iced?

坐

zuò

[dzwaw]

to sit; to take a bus/train

坐 can mean sit, but in travel it often means ride or take transportation.

Example

我坐公交去学校。

I take the bus to school.

飞机

fēi jī

[fēijī]

airplane

An aircraft that flies people or goods.

Example

我坐飞机去北京。

I take a plane to Beijing.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Download PrettyFluent on the App StoreGet Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Shanghai business dinners require real Mandarin skills. This app’s situation-based approach meant I could keep up with clients after just a month of practice.”

Ryan M., 36, Consultant

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager