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HSK 3

不A不B

The Not-A-Not-B structure (不A不B)

Explanation

The structure '不A不B' is used to describe a state at a middling, moderate level, neither too A nor too B. The two words A and B are usually a pair of antonymous adjectives. For example, '不大不小' means neither big nor small, that is, a moderate size.

Examples

不大不小 不长不短 不冷不热 不多不少 不早不晚
búdàbùxiǎobùchángbùduǎnbùlěngbúrèbùduōbùshǎobùzǎobùwǎn

Learn “不A不B” effectively

The grammar point “不A不B” (The Not-A-Not-B structure (不A不B)) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. 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.

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