HSK 5
X也X不得，Y也Y不得
X yě X bù de ， Y yě Y bù de
Structure X也X不得，Y也Y不得
Explanation
X也X不得，Y也Y不得 is a fixed expression used to emphasize a dilemma: doing action X isn't allowed/possible, and doing action Y isn't either.
verb X + 也 (yě = also/too) + X + 不得 (bu dé = not allowed / cannot)，verb Y + 也 (yě) + Y + 不得. 不得 (bu dé) is a negative potential complement (the part after the verb indicating "cannot be done"). e.g. 站也站不得，坐也坐不得 = can't stand and can't sit either.
When you want to describe being stuck, in a bind, or helpless because every option turns out badly (a sore back makes both standing and sitting painful; a grown child can be neither beaten nor scolded).
Vietnamese learners often repeat it incorrectly (writing 站也不得站) or use 不能 instead of 不得; remember the correct order is "verb + 也 + verb + 不得," and the two halves X and Y must be parallel and matched.
Examples
When his back starts hurting, he can neither stand nor sit.
The child has grown up; you can neither scold nor hit him.
This matter worries him so much that he can neither eat nor sleep in peace.
Practice
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Learn “X也X不得，Y也Y不得” effectively
The grammar point “X也X不得，Y也Y不得” (Structure X也X不得，Y也Y不得) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. 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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