HSK 3
不是⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯
bú shì ⋯ ⋯ ， jiù shì ⋯ ⋯
The structure '不是...就是...' (if not...then...)
Explanation
The structure 不是⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯ (bú shì...jiù shì...) means "if not..., then...", used to affirm that there are only two possibilities and no other.
不是 + A，就是 + B. A and B are the only two options (地点 – place, 情况 – situation...): 不是在办公室，就是在实验室 (if not in the office, then in the lab).
when confidently inferring that the result falls into one of two cases; also used to complain about two flaws that keep alternating (不是太大，就是太小 – if not too big, then too small).
it differs from 要么⋯⋯要么⋯⋯ (yàome – either... or...), which carries an active choice; 不是...就是... leans toward inference/affirmation that "it is surely one of the two".
the second clause must be 就是, not 是 (wrong: 不是...，是...); and do not confuse it with 不是⋯⋯而是⋯⋯ (bú shì...ér shì... – not... but rather...), which is used to correct and points to only one true side.
Examples
He is either in the office or in the lab.
None of these clothes fit; they are either too big or too small.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “不是⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “不是⋯⋯，就是⋯⋯” (The structure '不是...就是...' (if not...then...)) 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.