HSK 4
既⋯⋯，又/也⋯⋯
jì ⋯ ⋯ ， yòu / yě ⋯ ⋯
既⋯⋯，又/也⋯⋯ (Both ……, and ……)
Explanation
既⋯⋯，又/也⋯⋯ (jì..., yòu/yě...) is a correlative conjunction pair (a pair of words linking clauses) that forms a coordinate compound sentence (a sentence with two or more clauses), meaning 'both..., and/also...', stating two features or actions that coexist simultaneously in one subject.
Subject + 既 (jì) + [adjective/verb 1] + ，又/也 (yòu/yě) + [adjective/verb 2]. The two clauses talk about the SAME subject. For example 既好看，又暖和 = 'both good-looking and warm'.
When praising/describing a person or thing that has two parallel, complementary qualities or abilities (both beautiful and warm, both a teacher and a friend).
If the two clauses are qualities/adjectives or equal in degree, 又 yòu is usually used (既好看又暖和). If the second clause is an identity/status (who someone is), 也 yě is often used (既是老师，也是朋友). 又...又... yòu...yòu... also means 'both...and' but is more casual/colloquial, while 既...又... is a bit more formal.
Vietnamese learners often drop 既 and use only 又...又... in contexts requiring formality, or use the pair 既...但是... (wrong — 既 does not go with 但是). The two clauses must share the same subject; do not talk about two different subjects.
Examples
This new piece of clothing is both good-looking and warm.
He knows both how to study and how to have fun.
He is both our teacher and our friend.
Practice
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Learn “既⋯⋯，又/也⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “既⋯⋯，又/也⋯⋯” (既⋯⋯，又/也⋯⋯ (Both ……, and ……)) is one of the key structures at HSK 4. 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.
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