Formal Both... and... (既...又...)
既...又... to elegantly combine two descriptions or actions in formal Chinese contexts.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 既...又... to describe two positive traits or actions happening at the same time.
- Place 既 before the first adjective or verb: {既|jì} {漂亮|piàoliang}.
- Place 又 before the second adjective or verb: {又|yòu} {聪明|cōngmíng}.
- The structure is always: 既 + [Adjective/Verb] + 又 + [Adjective/Verb].
Overview
In Chinese, when you need to express that a single subject possesses two distinct characteristics or performs two actions simultaneously, the structure 既...又... (jì... yòu...) is your primary tool. This pattern translates most directly to "both...
and..." or "as well as" in English. It serves to emphasize the co-existence or simultaneous occurrence of two elements pertaining to the same entity. While everyday communication might tolerate simpler conjunctions or even separate sentences, 既...又... conveys a more polished, concise, and emphatic statement, bundling information efficiently into a single, cohesive thought.
This structure is foundational for expressing complex descriptions even at the A1 level, allowing you to move beyond merely listing attributes to genuinely connecting them. It's often encountered in formal settings, academic texts, persuasive speech, and more thoughtful communication, indicating a speaker's intention to present two aspects as an integrated whole, rather than just two separate facts. Understanding its use is crucial for adding nuance and sophistication to your early Chinese expressions.
How This Grammar Works
既...又... structure functions by establishing a clear parallelism between two elements (A and B) that describe or apply to the same subject. The particle 既 (jì) introduces the first element, signaling to the listener or reader that another related element will follow. The particle 又 (yòu) then introduces the second element, completing the dual description.A and B, suggesting they are intrinsically linked or experienced together.Subject + is A. Subject + is B. (她很漂亮。她很聪明。 - `Tā hěn piàoliang.), 既...又... allows for Subject + 既 + A + 又 + B. (她既漂亮又聪明。 - Tā jì piàoliang yòu cōngmíng.`). This not only saves words but also creates a stronger rhetorical effect. It highlights that both qualities are present at the same time and are equally valid.A and B must share a consistent semantic orientation. This is often referred to as the "vibe rule." If A is a positive attribute, B should also be positive. If A is negative, B should likewise be negative.既...又... can sound awkward or imply an unexpected contrast rather than a harmonious conjunction. For instance, while grammatically possible, saying 他既高又矮。 (Tā jì gāo yòu ǎi., lit. "He is both tall and short.") makes no logical sense in most contexts, as these are contradictory.既漂亮又很贵 (jì piàoliang yòu hěn guì - both pretty and expensive) works only if the speaker intends to convey a critical or complaining tone about the expense despite the beauty, rather than simply listing two neutral facts. The structure works best when A and B are either complementary or both contribute to a unified impression.这个地方既安静又舒服。(Zhège dìfang jì ānjìng yòu shūfu.)- This place is both quiet and comfortable.
他既会唱歌又会跳舞。(Tā jì huì chànggē yòu huì tiàowǔ.)- He can both sing and dance.
这份工作既有挑战性，又很有意义。(Zhè fèn gōngzuò jì yǒu tiǎozhànxìng, yòu hěn yǒu yìyì.)- This job is both challenging and very meaningful.
Word Order Rules
既...又... is fundamental to forming correct and natural-sounding sentences. Deviations from these rules often lead to ungrammatical or confusing expressions.- 1Subject Precedes
既: The subject of the sentence must always come before既(jì). This is a rigid rule. The structure primarily modifies the subject, so the subject must be established first.
- Correct:
小明既聪明又努力。(Xiǎo Míng jì cōngmíng yòu nǔlì.) - Xiao Ming is both smart and hardworking.
- Incorrect:
既小明聪明又努力。(Incorrect subject placement)
- 1Parallel Structure for
AandB: The elements placed after既(asA) and又(asB) must be of the same grammatical category (part of speech). This is a crucial aspect of parallelism in Chinese sentence structure. IfAis an adjective,Bmust also be an adjective. IfAis a verb phrase,Bmust also be a verb phrase. You cannot mix dissimilar parts of speech (e.g., an adjective with a noun, or a verb with an adjective).
- Adjective + Adjective:
这件衣服既漂亮又便宜。(Zhè jiàn yīfu jì piàoliang yòu piányi.) - This piece of clothing is both beautiful and cheap.
- Verb Phrase + Verb Phrase:
他既喜欢看书又喜欢运动。(Tā jì xǐhuan kànshū yòu xǐhuan yùndòng.) - He both likes reading books and likes exercising.
- Modal Verb + Verb Phrase:
她既能说英语又能说法语。(Tā jì néng shuō Yīngyǔ yòu néng shuō Fǎyǔ.) - She can both speak English and speak French.
- Incorrect:
这个城市既现代化又历史。(Zhège chéngshì jì xiàndàihuà yòu lìshǐ., lit. "This city is both modern and history.") - Here,
现代化(modernized, adjective) is paired with历史(history, noun), violating the parallelism rule. A correct phrasing would be这个城市既现代化又很有历史。(Zhège chéngshì jì xiàndàihuà yòu hěn yǒu lìshǐ., "This city is both modern and has a lot of history.")
- 1Consistency in Negation: When forming negative sentences, the negation particle
不(bù) or没(méi) must be applied consistently to bothAandB. The common pattern for "neither... nor..." is既不...也不...(jì bù... yě bù...). Notice that又(yòu) changes to也(yě) in these negative constructions, enhancing the sense of balanced negation.
这个电影既不长也不无聊。(Zhège diànyǐng jì bù cháng yě bù wúliáo.)- This movie is neither long nor boring.
他既没去过北京也没去过上海。(Tā jì méi qùguo Běijīng yě méi qùguo Shànghǎi.)- He has neither been to Beijing nor to Shanghai.
Formation Pattern
既...又... involves a straightforward pattern once the core rules of subject placement and parallelism are understood. The basic structure can be summarized as follows:
她 | tā (She) |
既 | Particle introducing the first attribute/action. | 既 | jì |
聪明 | cōngmíng (smart) |
又 | Particle introducing the second attribute/action. | 又 | yòu |
漂亮 | piàoliang (beautiful) |
她既聪明又漂亮。 (Tā jì cōngmíng yòu piàoliang.)
他 | tā (He) |
既 | Particle introducing the first negated attribute/action. | 既 | jì |
不 or 没 | Negation particle. | 不 | bù (not) |
喜欢 | xǐhuan (like) |
也 | Particle introducing the second negated attribute/action. | 也 | yě |
不 or 没 | Negation particle. | 不 | bù (not) |
讨厌 | tǎoyàn (dislike) |
他既不喜欢也不讨厌。 (Tā jì bù xǐhuan yě bù tǎoyàn.)
这个饭馆 - zhège fànguǎn - This restaurant)
既: What is the first thing you want to say about the subject? (e.g., 这个饭馆既便宜 - zhège fànguǎn jì piányi - This restaurant is both cheap)
又: What is the second thing? Ensure it's the same grammatical type as the first. (e.g., 又好吃 - yòu hǎochī - and delicious)
这个饭馆既便宜又好吃。 (Zhège fànguǎn jì piányi yòu hǎochī.)
A and B—both positive or both negative—unless you intend to convey a nuanced or critical contrast.
When To Use It
既...又... construction is versatile and can be employed in various contexts where you wish to convey multiple attributes or actions of a single subject in a cohesive, often emphatic, manner. Its usage often signals a desire for a more formal, literary, or precise expression compared to simpler alternatives.- 1To provide a comprehensive description: When describing people, objects, places, or situations,
既...又...allows you to present a multi-faceted view. It suggests that both aspects are significant and contribute to the overall understanding of the subject.
这本书既有趣又容易读懂。(Zhè běn shū jì yǒuqù yòu róngyì dúdǒng.)- This book is both interesting and easy to understand.
她既是我的老师又是我的朋友。(Tā jì shì wǒ de lǎoshī yòu shì wǒ de péngyou.)- She is both my teacher and my friend. (Note:
是...是...for nouns)
- 1For emphasis and strong statements: The structure inherently adds emphasis, highlighting the simultaneous presence of both
AandB. It's effective for making a strong point or a definitive assessment.
这个决定既正确又及时。(Zhège juédìng jì zhèngquè yòu jíshí.)- This decision is both correct and timely.
他做事情既认真又负责。(Tā zuò shìqíng jì rènzhēn yòu fùzé.)- He does things both conscientiously and responsibly.
- 1In formal or professional communication: Due to its structured and balanced nature,
既...又...is frequently used in formal writing, speeches, reports, and professional correspondence. It lends a sense of gravity and precision to your language.
公司的产品既创新又实用。(Gōngsī de chǎnpǐn jì chuàngxīn yòu shíyòng.)- The company's products are both innovative and practical.
这项政策既能促进经济发展又能保护环境。(Zhè xiàng zhèngcè jì néng cùjìn jīngjì fāzhǎn yòu néng bǎohù huánjìng.)- This policy can both promote economic development and protect the environment.
- 1To express simultaneous actions or states: When a subject is engaging in two actions at the same time, or is in two states concurrently,
既...又...is appropriate. This is particularly useful when the actions or states are related or interdependent.
他既要学习又要打工。(Tā jì yào xuéxí yòu yào dǎgōng.)- He both has to study and has to work part-time.
那家店既卖衣服又卖鞋子。(Nà jiā diàn jì mài yīfu yòu mài xiézi.)- That shop both sells clothes and sells shoes.
既...又..., you can elevate your Chinese from simple enumeration to sophisticated expression, conveying complex ideas with clarity and impact.Common Mistakes
既...又... in predictable ways.- 1Incorrect Subject Placement: The most common mistake is placing the subject after
既(jì) or between既and又. Remember, the subject must always initiate the sentence when using this structure.
- Incorrect:
既我的朋友又我的老师是她。(Incorrect word order) - Correct:
她既是我的老师又是我的朋友。(Tā jì shì wǒ de lǎoshī yòu shì wǒ de péngyou.) - She is both my teacher and my friend.
- 1Violation of Parallelism (Mixing Parts of Speech): Attempting to combine grammatically dissimilar elements (
AandB) is a frequent error.既...又...demands that the parts of speech are consistent.
- Incorrect:
这个软件既免费又方便性。(Zhège ruǎnjiàn jì miǎnfèi yòu fāngbiànxìng., lit. "This software is both free and convenience.") 免费(miǎnfèi) is an adjective (free), while方便性(fāngbiànxìng) is a noun (convenience). This is incorrect.- Correct:
这个软件既免费又方便。(Zhège ruǎnjiàn jì miǎnfèi yòu fāngbiàn.) - This software is both free and convenient (both adjectives).
- 1Attempting to Conjoin Nouns Directly:
既...又...is primarily for adjectives, verbs, or verb phrases that describe or apply to a single subject. It generally does not directly connect two distinct nouns as subjects or objects in the same way和(hé) does. If you need to state that a subject is bothNoun AandNoun B, you'll typically need to insert the verb是(shì) before each noun or restructure the sentence.
- Incorrect:
我既老师又学生。(I both teacher and student.) - Correct (with 是):
我既是老师也是学生。(Wǒ jì shì lǎoshī yě shì xuésheng.) - I am both a teacher and a student.
- Correct (restructured):
他有既是老板又是员工的双重身份。(Tā yǒu jì shì lǎobǎn yòu shì yuángōng de shuāngchóng shēnfèn.) - He has the dual identity of being both a boss and an employee.
- 1Mixing Semantic Orientations (The "Vibe Rule"): While not strictly a grammatical error, pairing a positive attribute with a distinctly negative one (e.g.,
既漂亮又很贵without a specific critical intent) can sound awkward or illogical to native speakers, as既...又...typically implies complementary attributes. The listener might wonder if there's a hidden implication.
- Awkward:
这个包既好看又麻烦。(Zhège bāo jì hǎokàn yòu máfan., lit. "This bag is both good-looking and troublesome.") - While comprehensible, it’s not ideal for a simple description. You might use two separate sentences or a different conjunction if you truly want to highlight the contrast or problem.
- Better (if focusing on positive + negative contrast):
这个包虽然好看，但是很麻烦。(Zhège bāo suīrán hǎokàn, dànshì hěn máfan.) - This bag is good-looking, but it's troublesome.
- 1Using More Than Two Elements:
既...又...is designed for a pair of elements. You cannot extend it to three or more items (e.g.,既...又...又...). For lists of three or more, you would typically use simpler enumeration or multiple clauses.
- Incorrect:
他既聪明又努力又帅。 - Correct:
他既聪明又努力，而且还很帅。(Tā jì cōngmíng yòu nǔlì, érqiě hái hěn shuài.) - He is both smart and hardworking, and also very handsome.
既...又... accurately and effectively.Contrast With Similar Patterns
既...又... stands distinct from a few commonly confused patterns.- 1
又...又...(yòu... yòu...): This is perhaps the most frequently confused pattern. Both既...又...and又...又...convey "both... and..." or "as well as." The primary distinction lies in formality and emphasis.
又...又...: Generally more casual and frequently used in spoken language. It often implies a more straightforward listing of two co-occurring attributes or actions, sometimes with a slightly stronger sense of repetition or progression. While it also requires parallelism, its use can be broader, sometimes even to express a sense of being 'stuck' between two undesirable states.他今天又累又饿。(Tā jīntiān yòu lèi yòu è.)- He is both tired and hungry today. (Casual description)
这孩子又哭又闹。(Zhè háizi yòu kū yòu nào.)- This child is both crying and making a fuss. (Describes simultaneous, often undesirable, actions)
既...又...: More formal, literary, and emphatic. It suggests a deeper, more inherent connection between the two elements, presenting them as an integrated whole rather than just a simple list. It is preferred in written communication, formal speeches, or when you want to make a strong, conclusive statement.公司的策略既要保持灵活性，又要确保稳定性。(Gōngsī de cèlüè jì yào bǎochí línghuóxìng, yòu yào quèbǎo wěndìngxìng.)- The company's strategy must both maintain flexibility and ensure stability. (Formal, strategic)
- Key difference: While
又...又...might simply observe two co-existing facts,既...又...asserts their dual presence, often with a subtle implication of completeness or intentional combination.
- 1
和(hé): The conjunction和means "and." However, its usage is primarily restricted to connecting nouns or noun phrases. It cannot directly connect adjectives, verbs, or clauses in the same way既...又...does.
和(for nouns):我和你。(Wǒ hé nǐ.- Me and you.)咖啡和茶。(Kāfēi hé chá.- Coffee and tea.)既...又...(not for direct noun connection):她既漂亮又聪明。(Tā jì piàoliang yòu cōngmíng.) – Connects adjectives.- Incorrect (mixing
和with adjectives):她漂亮和聪明。(Ungrammatical)
- 1
也(yě): Meaning "also" or "too,"也is used to add supplementary information. While it can introduce a second attribute, it typically does so in separate clauses or with less inherent connection than既...又....
她很聪明，也很有趣。(Tā hěn cōngmíng, yě hěn yǒu qù.)- She is very smart, and also very interesting.
- This is distinct from
她既聪明又有趣。(Tā jì cōngmíng yòu yǒuqù.), where既...又...explicitly binds "smart" and "interesting" as co-existing, often equally emphasized qualities. As noted earlier,也plays a role in the negative既不...也不...construction.
- 1
不但...而且...(bùdàn... érqiě...): This structure means "not only... but also..." and implies a progression of intensity or an unexpected addition. While both elements are true, the second (而且...) is often presented as being more significant or adding further weight.
他不但会说汉语，而且还会写汉字。(Tā bùdàn huì shuō Hànyǔ, érqiě hái huì xiě Hànzì.)- He not only can speak Chinese, but also can write Chinese characters.
- This differs from
他既会说汉语又会写汉字。(Tā jì huì shuō Hànyǔ yòu huì xiě Hànzì.), which simply states both abilities as equally present without implying one is more impressive or an extension of the other.
Real Conversations
既...又... appears in a variety of real-world scenarios, particularly when speakers aim for clarity, emphasis, or a slightly more formal tone. Its presence often elevates the discourse, making it sound more considered and precise.
1. Describing a Product or Service (Marketing/Review)
When promoting or reviewing something, 既...又... is perfect for highlighting multiple positive attributes concisely.
- 这款手机既美观又实用，深受年轻人喜爱。
- Zhè kuǎn shǒujī jì měiguān yòu shíyòng, shēnshòu niánqīngrén xǐ'ài.
- This phone is both beautiful and practical, deeply loved by young people.
- (Context: Online product review or advertisement.)
2. Expressing Opinions on Policies or Situations (Discussions/News)
In more serious discussions, this pattern helps articulate balanced views or complex assessments.
- 这项改革既有好处也有风险。
- Zhè xiàng gǎigé jì yǒu hǎochu yě yǒu fēngxiǎn.
- This reform has both benefits and risks. (Note 有...有... for expressing possession of qualities)
- (Context: A debate on current events or a news report.)
3. Characterizing People (Formal Introductions/Appraisals)
When formally introducing someone or describing their character, 既...又... can paint a comprehensive picture.
- 我的同事小王既负责又细心，工作能力很强。
- Wǒ de tóngshì Xiǎo Wáng jì fùzé yòu xìxīn, gōngzuò nénglì hěn qiáng.
- My colleague Xiao Wang is both responsible and meticulous; his work ability is very strong.
- (Context: Performance review, formal recommendation, or introducing a team member.)
4. Everyday Observations (When formality is desired)
Even in daily life, if you want to sound more articulate or emphasize a point, 既...又... can be used.
- 这家咖啡店的装修既现代又舒适。
- Zhè jiā kāfēi diàn de zhuāngxiū jì xiàndài yòu shūshì.
- This coffee shop's decoration is both modern and comfortable.
- (Context: Commenting on a new establishment to a friend, but with a slightly elevated tone.)
5. Explaining Dilemmas or Contradictions (with 既不...也不...)
When expressing a neutral stance or the absence of two options, the negative form is highly effective.
- 我对他的提议既不支持也不反对。
- Wǒ duì tā de tíyì jì bù zhīchí yě bù fǎnduì.
- I neither support nor oppose his proposal.
- (Context: Stating a neutral position in a meeting or discussion.)
These examples illustrate that 既...又... is not merely a textbook pattern but a living part of modern Chinese, utilized to convey multifaceted information with a distinct blend of precision and emphasis.
Quick FAQ
既...又...:- Is
既...又...truly formal? Can I use it in casual chat? - While
既...又...is considered more formal than又...又..., it's not exclusively for highly formal contexts. You can use it in casual chat when you want to sound more precise, deliberate, or emphasize your point. It adds a touch of eloquence. However, if you're aiming for very informal, quick communication (like texting with close friends),又...又...is generally more common.
- Can I use it to connect three or more items?
- No,
既...又...is strictly a two-element structure. It's designed to connect precisely two attributes or actions. If you have three or more things to list, you should use other sentence structures, such as simple enumeration (e.g.,A、B和C) or by forming multiple clauses.
- Does
既...又...work with past or future tenses? - Yes, the
既...又...structure itself is not affected by tense. Any tense markers (了-lefor completion,会-huìfor future, etc.) or time expressions will apply to the verbs within elementsAandBas they normally would, outside the structure. The core既...又...framework remains consistent. - Example:
他昨天既看了电影又听了音乐。(Tā zuótiān jì kànle diànyǐng yòu tīngle yīnyuè.) - Yesterday he both watched a movie and listened to music.
- What if I forget
既or又? Will I still be understood? - If you forget one of the particles, the sentence will likely sound incomplete or ungrammatical to a native speaker. Forgetting
既and just saying又...又...will still convey the "both... and..." meaning but will sound more casual. Forgetting又entirely would leave the sentence structurally incomplete. It's best to use both particles as intended for clear and correct communication.
- Are there any historical or classical Chinese roots for this pattern?
- The use of
既(jì) as a conjunction meaning "since, as" or to introduce a first part of a conditional/conjunction, and又(yòu) to introduce a second part (meaning "again, also"), has roots in classical Chinese. Over time, these particles evolved into the fixed既...又...structure to specifically emphasize the simultaneous and complementary nature of two elements. This historical development underscores its role in creating balanced and rhetorical expressions within the language.
- Can I use
既...又...to describe a dilemma where two negative things are true? - Yes, absolutely. As long as both
AandBare consistently negative in semantic orientation,既...又...can effectively describe such situations. This aligns with the
Structure Formation
| Part 1 | Element A | Part 2 | Element B |
|---|---|---|---|
|
既
|
Adjective 1
|
又
|
Adjective 2
|
|
既
|
Verb 1
|
又
|
Verb 2
|
Meanings
This structure connects two adjectives or verbs to indicate that both qualities or actions exist simultaneously in the subject.
Dual Adjectives
Describing two positive qualities of a person or object.
“这件{衣服|yīfu}{既|jì}{便宜|piányi}{又|yòu}{好看|hǎokàn}。”
“她{既|jì}{聪明|cōngmíng}{又|yòu}{努力|nǔlì}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
既 + Adj + 又 + Adj
|
既漂亮又聪明
|
|
Verb-based
|
既 + Verb + 又 + Verb
|
既会说又会写
|
|
Subject-based
|
Subj + 既 + Adj + 又 + Adj
|
他既高又帅
|
Formality Spectrum
此房间既宽敞又整洁。 (Describing a hotel room)
这个房间既大又干净。 (Describing a hotel room)
房间又大又干净。 (Describing a hotel room)
房间又大又干净！ (Describing a hotel room)
既...又... Concept Map
Usage
- Adjectives Qualities
- Verbs Actions
Examples by Level
这杯{咖啡|kāfēi}{既|jì}{热|rè}{又|yòu}{香|xiāng}。
This coffee is both hot and fragrant.
他{既|jì}{聪明|cōngmíng}{又|yòu}{努力|nǔlì}。
He is both smart and hardworking.
这个{地方|dìfang}{既|jì}{大|dà}{又|yòu}{美|měi}。
This place is both big and beautiful.
我的{老师|lǎoshī}{既|jì}{好|hǎo}{又|yòu}{严|yán}。
My teacher is both kind and strict.
他{既|jì}{会|huì}{说|shuō}{中文|zhōngwén}{又|yòu}{会|huì}{说|shuō}{英文|yīngwén}。
He can both speak Chinese and English.
这本{书|shū}{既|jì}{有趣|yǒuqù}{又|yòu}{有|yǒu}{用|yòng}。
This book is both interesting and useful.
这个{手机|shǒujī}{既|jì}{便宜|piányi}{又|yòu}{好用|hǎoyòng}。
This phone is both cheap and easy to use.
她{既|jì}{喜欢|xǐhuan}{唱歌|chànggē}{又|yòu}{喜欢|xǐhuan}{跳舞|tiàowǔ}。
She likes both singing and dancing.
这个{方案|fāng'àn}{既|jì}{节省|jiéshěng}{时间|shíjiān}{又|yòu}{节省|jiéshěng}{金钱|jīnqián}。
This plan saves both time and money.
他{既|jì}{是|shì}{我的|wǒde}{老师|lǎoshī}{又|yòu}{是|shì}{我的|wǒde}{朋友|péngyou}。
He is both my teacher and my friend.
这{城市|chéngshì}{既|jì}{有|yǒu}{历史|lìshǐ}{又|yòu}{有|yǒu}{活力|huólì}。
This city has both history and vitality.
我们{既|jì}{要|yào}{努力|nǔlì}{工作|gōngzuò}{又|yòu}{要|yào}{享受|xiǎngshòu}{生活|shēnghuó}。
We must both work hard and enjoy life.
这种{技术|jìshù}{既|jì}{高效|gāoxiào}{又|yòu}{环保|huánbǎo}。
This technology is both efficient and eco-friendly.
他{既|jì}{有|yǒu}{丰富的|fēngfùde}{经验|jīngyàn}{又|yòu}{有|yǒu}{创新的|chuàngxīnde}{想法|xiǎngfǎ}。
He has both rich experience and innovative ideas.
这个{决定|juédìng}{既|jì}{合理|hélǐ}{又|yòu}{必要|bìyào}。
This decision is both reasonable and necessary.
她{既|jì}{精通|jīngtōng}{外语|wàiyǔ}{又|yòu}{擅长|shàncháng}{编程|biānchéng}。
She is both proficient in foreign languages and skilled in programming.
这{部|bù}{电影|diànyǐng}{既|jì}{有|yǒu}{深刻的|shēnkède}{内涵|nèihán}{又|yòu}{有|yǒu}{极高的|jí gāode}{艺术|yìshù}{价值|jiàzhí}。
This film has both profound meaning and high artistic value.
该{政策|zhèngcè}{既|jì}{保障了|bǎozhàngle}{民生|mínshēng}{又|yòu}{促进了|cùjìnle}{经济|jīngjì}{发展|fāzhǎn}。
The policy both protects people's livelihood and promotes economic development.
他{既|jì}{是一位|shì yīwèi}{学者|xuézhě}{又|yòu}{是一位|shì yīwèi}{诗人|shīrén}。
He is both a scholar and a poet.
这个{设计|shèjì}{既|jì}{简洁|jiǎnjié}{又|yòu}{充满|chōngmǎn}{现代感|xiàndàigǎn}。
This design is both minimalist and full of modern feel.
这种{现象|xiànxiàng}{既|jì}{具有|jùyǒu}{普遍性|pǔbiànxìng}{又|yòu}{具有|jùyǒu}{特殊性|tèshūxìng}。
This phenomenon has both universality and particularity.
他{既|jì}{博古|bógǔ}{又|yòu}{通今|tōngjīn}。
He is well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge.
这{作品|zuòpǐn}{既|jì}{体现了|tǐxiànle}{传统|chuántǒng}{又|yòu}{融入了|róngrùle}{创新|chuàngxīn}。
This work both embodies tradition and incorporates innovation.
该{理论|lǐlùn}{既|jì}{严谨|yánjǐn}{又|yòu}{富有|fùyǒu}{想象力|xiǎngxiànglì}。
The theory is both rigorous and imaginative.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'both... and...'.
Both connect ideas.
Both connect things.
Common Mistakes
他既高和帅
他既高又帅
他高又帅
他既高又帅
他既高又矮
他既高又帅
既他高又帅
他既高又帅
既吃又喝
既吃又喝
既漂亮又便宜的衣服
既漂亮又便宜的衣服
既是老师又学生
既是老师又是学生
既不仅...而且...
不仅...而且...
既...也... (for negative)
既不...也不...
既...又... (for past tense)
既...又... (works for all tenses)
既...又... (for unrelated ideas)
不仅...而且...
Sentence Patterns
他既___又___。
这件衣服既___又___。
我既会___又会___。
这个方案既___又___。
Real World Usage
这顿饭既便宜又好吃！
我既有经验又有热情。
他既帅又好。
酒店既干净又安静。
这家店既快又好。
此理论既严谨又创新。
Keep it positive
No '和'
Verb usage
Formality
Smart Tips
Use 既...又... to sound more descriptive and balanced.
Use it to highlight two positive aspects.
Use it to show you have multiple talents.
Use it to summarize your experience.
Pronunciation
Tone of 既
既 is 4th tone (jì).
Tone of 又
又 is 4th tone (yòu).
Balanced
既 [A] 又 [B]
Equal stress on both A and B.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '既' as the 'G' in 'Good' and '又' as the 'Y' in 'Yes'. Both are positive!
Visual Association
Imagine a person holding two balloons, one in each hand. The left hand is '既' and the right hand is '又'.
Rhyme
既 is the start, 又 is the end, two good things, my dear friend.
Story
Xiao Wang is a super student. He is 既 smart 又 hardworking. He 既 can sing 又 can dance. Everyone loves him!
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your best friend using 既...又... in the next 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily speech and formal writing.
Used similarly, often in advertising.
Used in formal business settings.
Derived from classical Chinese conjunctions indicating simultaneous states.
Conversation Starters
你的老师怎么样？
你觉得这个餐厅怎么样？
你理想的工作是什么样的？
你如何评价这部电影？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他___高___帅。
Find and fix the mistake:
他既高和帅。
Which is correct?
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
He is both tall and handsome.
Answer starts with: a...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use 既...又... with '便宜' and '好用'.
A: 你觉得这个手机怎么样？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises他___高___帅。
Find and fix the mistake:
他既高和帅。
Which is correct?
又 / 既 / 漂亮 / 她 / 聪明
He is both tall and handsome.
Match 既 with...
Use 既...又... with '便宜' and '好用'.
A: 你觉得这个手机怎么样？ B: ___
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesThis book is both interesting and useful.
Match the columns:
Beijing is both big and busy.
这里既不冷___不热。
Arrange: [既, 这个, 手机, 贵, 又, 慢]
既外面很冷也很黑。
Your Chinese is both fluent and natural.
She both likes to sing and dance.
这份工作既有压力，___能挣很多钱。
我既爸爸又老师。
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It is not recommended. Use other structures for negative traits.
It is neutral to formal. It sounds better than '又...又...'.
No, it is for adjectives and verbs.
You should use a different structure like '不但...而且...'.
Yes, very often.
Yes, the order doesn't change the meaning.
Yes, it works with any tense.
It emphasizes that both qualities exist simultaneously.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
tanto... como...
Spanish structure is often used for nouns, while 既...又... is for adjectives/verbs.
à la fois... et...
French structure is slightly more wordy.
sowohl... als auch...
German structure is more rigid in word order.
〜も〜も
Japanese structure is suffix-based, Chinese is prefix-based.
كلا من... و...
Arabic structure is often used for nouns.
既...又...
It is unique in its use of 既 as a correlative.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Having things and 'There is' ({有|yǒu})
Overview In Chinese, the character `{有|yǒu}` is a foundational verb with two primary functions: expressing **possession...
Emphasizing Details with 是...的 (shì...de)
Overview The `是...的 (shì...de)` construction is a fundamental Chinese grammar pattern. It acts as a linguistic spotlig...
Explaining the 'Why' (之所以...是因为...)
Overview At the B2 level, you have likely mastered the fundamental cause-and-effect pattern `因为...所以...` (yīnwèi......
Explaining 'Why': Emphasizing Reasons (之所以...是因为...)
Overview The Chinese correlative conjunction pattern `之所以...是因为...` (zhīsuǒyǐ...shìyīnwèi...) serves a crucial fun...
Formal Topic-Comment Structures: Guanyu, Zhiyu, and Lun (关于、至于、论)
Overview In English, we structure sentences around a subject performing an action: "**The team** will discuss **the bud...
