HSK 2

又⋯⋯又⋯⋯

yòu ⋯ ⋯ yòu ⋯ ⋯

又⋯⋯又⋯⋯ (both...and...)

Explanation

The structure 又⋯⋯又⋯⋯ (yòu... yòu...) means "both... and...", used to state TWO characteristics or two actions that coexist at the same time in one person/thing.

Structure

又 (yòu) + adjective/verb 1 + 又 (yòu) + adjective/verb 2. The two parts after 又 are usually the same type (both adjectives or both verbs) and point in the same direction of meaning (both praising or both criticizing). For example 又好吃又便宜 (both delicious and cheap), 又贵又不好看 (both expensive and unattractive).

When to use

when you want to list two parallel qualities of the same subject, emphasizing that both are true.

Common mistakes

(1) Pairing two opposing characteristics (one praising, one criticizing) sounds unnatural; the two parts should point the same way. (2) Missing the 又 in the second part (writing 又好吃便宜) — both 又 characters are required. (3) Confusing it with 一边⋯⋯一边⋯⋯ (yìbiān... yìbiān..., doing one thing while doing another at the same time); 又...又... is about CHARACTERISTICS, while 一边...一边... is about TWO ACTIONS happening in parallel.

Examples

这个饭馆的菜又好吃又便宜。
zhègefànguǎndecàiyòuhǎochīyòupiányi

The dishes at this restaurant are both delicious and cheap.

这球鞋又贵又不好看。
zhèqiúxiéyòuguìyòuhǎokàn

These sneakers are both expensive and unattractive.

Practice

Test your understanding with a quick quiz

Learn “又⋯⋯又⋯⋯” effectively

The grammar point “又⋯⋯又⋯⋯” (又⋯⋯又⋯⋯ (both...and...)) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.

Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.

You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.

Frequently asked questions