HSK 5
X也不是，Y也不是
X yě bú shì ， Y yě bú shì
X也不是，Y也不是
Explanation
The construction 'X也不是，Y也不是' is used to describe a dilemma, an awkward situation: both opposite choices are no good, and one doesn't know which way to choose.
verb X + 也 (yě: also) + 不是 (bùshì) + ，+ verb Y + 也 + 不是. X and Y are usually a pair of opposite actions: 哭/笑 (cry/laugh), 坐/站 (sit/stand), 走/留 (leave/stay). Here 不是 does not mean 'is not' but means 'won't do, isn't right, is awkward'.
When you want to describe a state of confusion, awkwardness, being stuck between two roads. It usually comes after a phrase indicating the cause, such as 气得 (qì de: so angry that), 紧张得 (jǐnzhāng de: so nervous that).
Vietnamese learners often translate 不是 mechanically as 'is not' and misunderstand the whole sentence. Here it must be understood as 'doing X is awkward, doing Y is awkward'. Also remember that X and Y must be two opposite actions for the construction to carry the dilemma meaning.
Examples
He joked like that and made me so angry that I could neither cry nor laugh.
The moment he saw so many people arrive, he got so nervous that he could neither sit nor stand comfortably.
Leaving is awkward, staying is awkward too; I really don't know what to do.
Practice
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Learn “X也不是，Y也不是” effectively
The grammar point “X也不是，Y也不是” (X也不是，Y也不是) 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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