Double the Impact: The {又...又...} Pattern
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {又...又...} to describe two qualities or actions happening at the same time for the same subject.
- Use it for two positive or two negative adjectives: {又大又圆|yòu dà yòu yuán} (big and round).
- Use it for two simultaneous actions: {又哭又闹|yòu kū yòu nào} (crying and making a scene).
- The subject always comes before the first {又}.
Overview
The Chinese grammar pattern 又...又... (yòu... yòu...) efficiently conjoins two attributes or actions simultaneously associated with a single subject. Translating to "both...
and..." or "not only... but also...", this structure is vital for expressing dual characteristics. Unlike English, where a simple "and" connects adjectives, Chinese employs 又...又... to signify that two distinct qualities coexist within the same entity.
This highlights a fundamental principle of Chinese syntax: adjectives do not typically coordinate directly with 和 (hé), the common conjunction for nouns. Mastering 又...又... provides A1 learners with a foundational tool for nuanced description. For example, to describe a dish as 又好吃又便宜 (yòu hǎochī yòu piányi - both delicious and cheap) concisely conveys two positive attributes.
This versatile pattern applies to adjectives, stative verbs, and in specific contexts, dynamic verbs, enhancing descriptive impact.
How This Grammar Works
又...又... pattern functions on the principle of simultaneous attribution, asserting that a singular subject possesses two specified qualities or performs two actions concurrently. Its core role is to emphasize the co-existence of these elements, rather than merely listing them. This mechanism inherently implies a unified state or characteristic.又大又干净 (yòu dà yòu gānjìng - both big and clean)"; the latter stresses the combined description of its current state.又 are primarily adjectives or stative verbs (e.g., 累 lèi - tired, 饿 è - hungry). These components must generally share a similar emotional valence—either both positive or both negative—to maintain natural and logical expression. A person can be 又聪明又努力 (yòu cōngming yòu nǔlì - both intelligent and hardworking), reflecting two positive traits.又难又复杂 (yòu nán yòu fùzá - both difficult and complicated), carrying two negative connotations. Mixing positive and negative attributes is usually avoided for A1 learners, as it can sound illogical. The pattern places 又 before each descriptor, creating a strong semantic link and highlighting the subject's multifaceted nature.Formation Pattern
又...又... pattern follows a consistent and straightforward structure:
又 | 又 | yòu | Introduces first attribute |
又 | 又 | yòu | Introduces second attribute |
又 + Attribute 1 + 又 + Attribute 2
这个苹果又大又甜。 (Zhège píngguǒ yòu dà yòu tián.)
他看起来又高又帅。 (Tā kànqilai yòu gāo yòu shuài.)
这件衣服又贵又不好看。 (Zhè jiàn yīfu yòu guì yòu bù hǎokàn.)
我今天又饿又累。 (Wǒ jīntiān yòu è yòu lèi.)
他考试没及格，又伤心又生气。 (Tā kǎoshì méi jíge, yòu shāngxīn yòu shēngqì.)
又...又... can connect certain dynamic verbs, particularly those denoting sustained or concurrent actions. This often highlights enthusiasm or a combined manner of performance.
孩子们又唱又跳，非常开心。 (Háizimen yòu chàng yòu tiào, fēicháng kāixīn.)
他工作的时候又吃又喝。 (Tā gōngzuò de shíhou yòu chī yòu hē.)
When To Use It
又...又... pattern is crucial for comprehensively describing a subject by highlighting the concurrent presence of two qualities or actions.- To describe a subject with two harmonious attributes: This is its primary function. Use it to convey that an object, person, or situation possesses two characteristics that align (both positive or both negative).
这家餐厅的菜又便宜又好吃。(Zhè jiā cāntīng de cài yòu piányi yòu hǎochī.)- The dishes at this restaurant are both inexpensive and delicious.
这条路又远又难走。(Zhè tiáo lù yòu yuǎn yòu nán zǒu.)- This road is both far and difficult to travel.
- To emphasize the intensity or completeness of a state: Pairing two related adjectives can intensify the description, implying the subject fully embodies both traits.
今天的风又大又冷。(Jīntiān de fēng yòu dà yòu lěng.)- Today's wind is both strong and cold. (Highlights severity.)
她的性格又开朗又善良。(Tā de xìnggé yòu kāilǎng yòu shànliáng.)- Her personality is both cheerful and kind. (Highlights genuine good nature.)
- To indicate concurrent activities (often with enthusiasm): This use is less common for A1 but important. It describes two actions happening simultaneously, suggesting sustained or habitual behavior, often with a sense of energy.
他每天都又跑又跳地去上学。(Tā měitiān dōu yòu pǎo yòu tiào de qù shàngxué.)- Every day, he goes to school both running and jumping. (Suggests energetic manner.)
- In rhetorical questions or expressions of frustration: It can convey exasperation when a situation possesses two undesirable qualities.
你怎么又迟到又没带作业？(Nǐ zěnme yòu chídào yòu méi dài zuòyè?)- How are you both late and didn't bring your homework? (Expresses frustration.)
又...又... effectively adds precision and nuance to your Chinese descriptions.Common Mistakes
又...又.... Understanding these errors helps ensure accurate and natural communication.- Using
和(hé) to connect adjectives: This is a primary mistake.和primarily connects nouns or noun phrases. It is grammatically incorrect for adjectives or stative verbs. - Incorrect:
这个手机便宜和好。(Zhège shǒujī piányi hé hǎo.) - Correct:
这个手机又便宜又好。(Zhège shǒujī yòu piányi yòu hǎo.) - This phone is both cheap and good.
- Reason: Chinese adjectives function similarly to stative verbs, not coordinating with
和like nouns.又...又...provides the specific structure for conjoining such descriptive elements.
- Mixing positive and negative attributes: For A1 learners, mixing positive and negative adjectives within
又...又...sounds unnatural or illogical. The pattern generally expects thematic consistency in attributes. - Unnatural:
这个电影又好看又无聊。(Zhège diànyǐng yòu hǎokàn yòu wúliáo.) - This movie is both good-looking and boring.
- Preferred (consistent valence):
这个电影又长又无聊。(Zhège diànyǐng yòu cháng yòu wúliáo.) - This movie is both long and boring. - Reason:
又...又...aims for a concise, holistic description. Clashing emotional attributes can confuse the listener about the speaker's sentiment.
- Attempting to connect nouns:
又...又...is not for nouns. For "both A and B" with nouns, use structures like是...也是...(shì... yě shì...) or既是...也是...(jì shì... yě shì...). - Incorrect:
他又学生又老师。(Tā yòu xuésheng yòu lǎoshī.) - Correct:
他既是学生也是老师。(Tā jì shì xuésheng yě shì lǎoshī.) - He is both a student and a teacher.
- Reason:
又...又...implies simultaneous qualities or states, not concurrent identities.
- Confusing
又...又...with一边...一边...(yībiān... yībiān...): 又...又...describes attributes or states (what a subject is); it's static.一边...一边...describes two actions performed concurrently (how or when a subject acts); it's dynamic.- Example:
这个孩子又聪明又活泼。(Zhège háizi yòu cōngming yòu huópo.) - This child is both smart and lively. (Attributes)她一边吃饭一边看电视。(Tā yībiān chīfàn yībiān kàn diànshì.) - She eats while watching TV. (Concurrent actions)- Reason:
又...又...focuses on inherent descriptions, while一边...一边...focuses on parallel ongoing processes.
又...又....Real Conversations
The 又...又... pattern is common in everyday Chinese, appearing in various modern contexts.
- Casual Descriptions (Food, Shopping, Weather):
- In a restaurant: 这个菜又便宜又好吃，我们多点几个！ (Zhège cài yòu piányi yòu hǎochī, wǒmen duō diǎn jǐ ge!)
- "This dish is both inexpensive and delicious, let's order a few more!"
- Browsing online: 这条裙子又时尚又舒服，我喜欢。 (Zhè tiáo qúnzi yòu shíshàng yòu shūfu, wǒ xǐhuan.)
- "This skirt is both fashionable and comfortable, I like it."
- People and Personalities (Compliments, Criticisms):
- Praising a colleague: 小王工作又认真又有效率。 (Xiǎo Wáng gōngzuò yòu rènzhēn yòu yǒuxiàolǜ.)
- "Xiao Wang is both diligent and efficient at work."
- Describing a difficult person: 那个人又固执又爱抱怨。 (Nà ge rén yòu gùzhi yòu ài bàoyuàn.)
- "That person is both stubborn and loves to complain."
- Expressing States and Feelings (often with stative verbs):
- After a long day: 我忙了一天，现在又饿又困。 (Wǒ máng le yī tiān, xiànzài yòu è yòu kùn.)
- "I've been busy all day, now I'm both hungry and sleepy."
- Social Media and Online Commentary:
- A viral video: 这个视频又搞笑又治愈，我看了好几遍。 (Zhège shìpín yòu gǎoxiào yòu zhìyù, wǒ kàn le hǎo jǐ biàn.)
- "This video is both hilarious and heartwarming, I watched it several times."
- Formal or Semi-Formal Contexts:
- In a meeting: 这个方案又创新又实用，很有前景。 (Zhège fāng'àn yòu chuàngxīn yòu shíyòng, hěn yǒu qiánjǐng.)
- "This plan is both innovative and practical, with great prospects."
These examples show how 又...又... integrates into various conversational layers, from brief comments to evaluations, concisely and emphatically presenting dual attributes or actions.
Quick FAQ
又...又...? For example, 又A又B又C?While grammatically permissible, chaining three or more 又 patterns often sounds repetitive or clunky. For A1 learners, limit it to two attributes. For three or more qualities, consider separate sentences or rephrasing.
- Less natural:
她又高又瘦又漂亮。(Tā yòu gāo yòu shòu yòu piàoliang.) - More natural:
她又高又瘦，非常漂亮。(Tā yòu gāo yòu shòu, fēicháng piàoliang.) - She is both tall and thin, and very pretty.
又...又... formal or informal?又...又... is a neutral structure, appropriate for casual conversation, formal writing, business communication, and academic contexts. Its broad applicability makes it a fundamental part of spoken and written Chinese at all levels.
又...又... be used with nouns?No. 又...又... is designed for adjectives and stative verbs to describe qualities or concurrent actions. For connecting nouns, use 和 (hé) for simple enumeration or 是...也是... (shì... yě shì...) / 既是...也是... (jì shì... yě shì...) for dual identities or roles.
- Correct (nouns):
我和我的朋友。(Wǒ hé wǒ de péngyou.) - My friend and I. - Correct (dual roles):
他既是医生也是教授。(Tā jì shì yīshēng yě shì jiàoshòu.) - He is both a doctor and a professor.
又...又... and 既...又... (jì... yòu...)?Both patterns mean "both... and..." and connect adjectives or verbs.
又...又...is the more common and neutral choice, emphasizing simple coexistence.既...又...(sometimes既...也...) carries a slightly more emphatic or formal tone. It implies "not only... but also," highlighting that both conditions are met, sometimes against expectation. For A1 learners, focus on又...又...as the primary pattern.这个菜又好吃又便宜。(Zhège cài yòu hǎochī yòu piányi.) - This dish is both delicious and cheap. (Neutral)这个菜既好吃又便宜。(Zhège cài jì hǎochī yòu piányi.) - This dish is both delicious and cheap! (More emphatic)
又 in this pattern relate to 又 meaning "again"?The character 又 (yòu) independently means "again" or "also," indicating repetition or addition. Within 又...又..., the first 又 introduces an attribute, and the second 又 acts as a parallel marker, indicating the presence of another, similar attribute. It signifies parallelism in description rather than temporal repetition. The etymology of 又 linking to "furthermore" explains its use in both contexts, but in 又...又..., it specifically adds another descriptive element.
Formation Pattern
| Subject | 又 | Trait/Action 1 | 又 | Trait/Action 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
我
|
又
|
高
|
又
|
帅
|
|
他
|
又
|
吃
|
又
|
喝
|
|
天气
|
又
|
冷
|
又
|
下雨
|
|
苹果
|
又
|
大
|
又
|
甜
|
|
她
|
又
|
聪明
|
又
|
漂亮
|
|
猫
|
又
|
白
|
又
|
胖
|
Meanings
This pattern connects two adjectives or verbs to indicate that both qualities or actions exist simultaneously in the subject.
Descriptive
Describing two simultaneous traits of a noun.
“她{又|yòu}{聪明|cōngmíng}{又|yòu}{漂亮|piàoliang}。”
“这件衣服{又|yòu}{便宜|piányí}{又|yòu}{好看|hǎokàn}。”
Action-oriented
Describing two simultaneous actions.
“他{又|yòu}{唱|chàng}{又|yòu}{跳|tiào}。”
“小孩子{又|yòu}{跑|pǎo}{又|yòu}{跳|tiào}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 又 + Adj + 又 + Adj
|
他又高又帅
|
|
Action
|
Subj + 又 + Verb + 又 + Verb
|
他又唱又跳
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 又 + 不 + Adj + 又 + 不 + Adj
|
这衣服又不好看又不便宜
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 又 + Adj + 又 + Adj + 吗?
|
这苹果又大又甜吗?
|
|
Past
|
Subj + 又 + Verb + 又 + Verb + 了
|
他昨天又吃又喝了
|
Formality Spectrum
此菜既辛辣又美味。 (Dining)
这个菜又辣又好吃。 (Dining)
这菜又辣又香！ (Dining)
这菜又辣又爽！ (Dining)
The {又...又...} Concept
Adjectives
- 大 big
- 甜 sweet
Verbs
- 唱 sing
- 跳 dance
When to use {又...又...}
Examples by Level
这个西瓜{又|yòu}{大|dà}{又|yòu}{甜|tián}。
This watermelon is both big and sweet.
她{又|yòu}{聪明|cōngmíng}{又|yòu}{可爱|kě'ài}。
She is both smart and cute.
这件衣服{又|yòu}{便宜|piányí}{又|yòu}{好看|hǎokàn}。
This clothing is both cheap and good-looking.
今天{又|yòu}{冷|lěng}{又|yòu}{下雨|xiàyǔ}。
Today it is both cold and raining.
他{又|yòu}{唱|chàng}{又|yòu}{跳|tiào}。
He is singing and dancing.
这只猫{又|yòu}{白|bái}{又|yòu}{胖|pàng}。
This cat is both white and fat.
那个电影{又|yòu}{长|cháng}{又|yòu}{无聊|wúliáo}。
That movie is both long and boring.
他{又|yòu}{跑|pǎo}{又|yòu}{跳|tiào}。
He is running and jumping.
这个任务{又|yòu}{难|nán}{又|yòu}{急|jí}。
This task is both difficult and urgent.
他{又|yòu}{工作|gōngzuò}{又|yòu}{学习|xuéxí}。
He is working and studying.
那里的风景{又|yòu}{美|měi}{又|yòu}{安静|ānjìng}。
The scenery there is both beautiful and quiet.
这台电脑{又|yòu}{快|kuài}{又|yòu}{好用|hǎoyòng}。
This computer is both fast and easy to use.
这道菜{又|yòu}{辣|là}{又|yòu}{香|xiāng}。
This dish is both spicy and fragrant.
他{又|yòu}{生气|shēngqì}{又|yòu}{难过|nánguò}。
He is both angry and sad.
这个决定{又|yòu}{大胆|dàdǎn}{又|yòu}{明智|míngzhì}。
This decision is both bold and wise.
她{又|yòu}{会|huì}{写|xiě}{又|yòu}{会|huì}{画|huà}。
She can both write and paint.
这篇论文{又|yòu}{深奥|shēn'ào}{又|yòu}{精彩|jīngcǎi}。
This paper is both profound and brilliant.
他{又|yòu}{谦虚|qiānxū}{又|yòu}{谨慎|jǐnshèn}。
He is both humble and cautious.
这个计划{又|yòu}{宏大|hóngdà}{又|yòu}{具体|jùtǐ}。
This plan is both grand and specific.
这首歌{又|yòu}{忧伤|yōushāng}{又|yòu}{动人|dòngrén}。
This song is both melancholic and moving.
此举{又|yòu}{激进|jījìn}{又|yòu}{有效|yǒuxiào}。
This move is both radical and effective.
他{又|yòu}{博学|bóxué}{又|yòu}{多才|duōcái}。
He is both learned and multi-talented.
这番话{又|yòu}{尖锐|jiānruì}{又|yòu}{中肯|zhòngkěn}。
These words are both sharp and pertinent.
该方案{又|yòu}{经济|jīngjì}{又|yòu}{环保|huánbǎo}。
The proposal is both economical and eco-friendly.
Easily Confused
Both connect two ideas, but '不但...而且...' implies a logical step up, while '又...又...' is just a list.
They mean the same thing, but '既...又...' is more formal.
Both describe simultaneous actions, but '一边...一边...' is for two actions happening at the same time, while '又...又...' is for two traits or actions that are both true.
Common Mistakes
他又高帅。
他又高又帅。
他又高又矮。
他又高又壮。
又他高又他帅。
他又高又帅。
他高又帅又。
他又高又帅。
他又吃又喝了。
他昨天又吃又喝。
这苹果又大又红。
这个苹果又大又红。
又大又红苹果。
苹果又大又红。
他不但又高又帅。
他不但高，而且帅。
这又难又简单的任务。
这任务又难又复杂。
他又跑又跳的。
他又跑又跳。
此举又激进又保守。
此举激进且保守。
他又博学又多才的。
他既博学又多才。
方案又经济又环保的。
方案又经济又环保。
他又写又画的。
他又写又画。
Sentence Patterns
这个苹果___大___甜。
他___唱___跳。
这件衣服___便宜___好看。
今天天气___冷___下雨。
Real World Usage
这地方又远又难找！
今天天气又好又舒服。
这鞋子又便宜又好看。
我既有经验又很努力。
这菜又辣又好吃。
这个酒店又大又干净。
Keep it balanced
Avoid opposites
Use for actions
Casual tone
Smart Tips
Use '又...又...' to make your description sound more natural.
Use '又...又...' to describe products.
Combine two weather conditions.
Combine two actions.
Pronunciation
Tone of '又'
又 is in the 4th tone (yòu). Keep it sharp and short.
Parallel stress
又(stress) + Adj + 又(stress) + Adj
Emphasizes both qualities equally.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '又' as a pair of hands holding two things together. You need two hands, so you need two '又's!
Visual Association
Imagine a giant apple that is both 'big' and 'sweet'. The word '又' is written on both sides of the apple.
Rhyme
Two '又's in a row, two traits you show!
Story
My friend is amazing. She is {又|yòu} smart {又|yòu} kind. Yesterday at the party, she was {又|yòu} singing {又|yòu} dancing. Everyone loved her!
Word Web
Challenge
Describe your best friend using the {又...又...} pattern in 3 sentences.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily speech to describe everything from food to people.
Used similarly, often with a slightly more relaxed tone.
Used in daily Mandarin, often mixed with local particles.
The character '又' originally meant 'right hand' and evolved to mean 'again' or 'also'.
Conversation Starters
你觉得这件衣服怎么样？
你的好朋友是什么样的人？
你觉得这份工作怎么样？
你对这个新政策怎么看？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
这个苹果___大___甜。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他又高又矮。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
He is both singing and dancing.
Answer starts with: b...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '又...又...' with '便宜' and '好用'.
今天天气___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises这个苹果___大___甜。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
他又高又矮。
又 / 漂亮 / 她 / 又 / 聪明
He is both singing and dancing.
Match '又大又...' with the best fit.
Use '又...又...' with '便宜' and '好用'.
今天天气___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises{这件衣服___好看___便宜。|Zhè jiàn yīfu ___ hǎokàn ___ piányi.} (This clothing is both good-looking and cheap.)
Choose the correct sentence:
Match correctly:
{又 | 聪明 | 他 | 又 | 努力}
This dish is both spicy and salty.
{这个房间又大又小。|Zhège fángjiān yòu dà yòu xiǎo.} (The room is both big and small.)
{外面___黑___冷。|Wàimiàn ___ hēi ___ lěng.} (It is both dark and cold outside.)
Choose the compatible pair:
{弟弟 | 又 | 可爱 | 调皮 | 又}
The boss is both angry and anxious.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it's strictly for two things. For three, use '不但...而且...'.
No, it's only for adjectives and verbs.
It's quite casual. Use '既...又...' for formal writing.
Yes, as long as both are negative, like '又冷又饿'.
You probably forgot the second '又' or used contradictory adjectives.
Yes, just add '了' at the end of the sentence.
Yes, it's standard Mandarin.
Use '不但...而且...'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
both... and...
Chinese requires the repetition of '又' while English uses 'both' only once.
tanto... como...
Spanish uses two different words while Chinese uses the same word twice.
à la fois... et...
French is more wordy than the concise Chinese structure.
sowohl... als auch...
German is much more formal than the casual Chinese '又...又...'.
～も～も
Japanese particles follow the words, while Chinese '又' precedes them.
أيضاً
Arabic doesn't have a direct 'both... and...' structure that works exactly like this.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Advanced Causality: So... That (以致, 致使, 从而)
Overview Mastering advanced causal connectors is a hallmark of the C2 level, allowing you to articulate complex cause-a...
Doing two things at once (一边...一边)
Overview In Chinese, expressing two actions occurring simultaneously is a fundamental aspect of clear communication. The...
Using `虽然...但是` (suīrán...dànshì) to Say "Although... But..."
Overview The Chinese conjunction pair `虽然...但是` (`suīrán...dànshì`) is a fundamental structure for expressing contra...
Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)
Overview The ability to discuss conditions—"if this, then that"—is fundamental to any language. In Chinese, the concept...
As Soon As... Then... (一...就...)
Overview The structure **`一...就...` (yī...jiù...)** is one of the most fundamental and high-frequency patterns in Man...
