HSK 6
东一A，西一A
dōng yī A ， xī yī A
The structure 'East one A, West one A'
Explanation
东一A，西一A (dōng yì A, xī yì A) is a fixed structure (格式 géshì = a customary sentence pattern) describing actions or speech that are scattered, disorganized, and unfocused. The literal meaning 'one A to the east, one A to the west' is used to depict scatteredness.
东一 + A，西一 + A (+ 地 de + verb). A is a short measure word or noun repeated: 句 (jù = sentence), 脚 (jiǎo = step), 下儿 (xiàr = time/instance).
Used in colloquial speech, with a negative nuance (criticism), emphasizing a lack of plan, lack of focus, or lack of patience. When it serves as an adverbial (the element indicating manner) for a verb, add 地 (de), as in 东一脚西一脚地赶回来.
Vietnamese learners often change the character A to be different in the two halves, but A must be the SAME in both halves (东一句，西一句); and they often forget the particle 地 (de) when this phrase modifies the following verb.
Examples
It was dark and raining too, yet he hurried back stumbling one step high and one step low.
He talks a bit here and a bit there, with no focus at all.
He always does things a little here and a little there, with neither plan nor patience.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “东一A，西一A” effectively
The grammar point “东一A，西一A” (The structure 'East one A, West one A') is one of the key structures at HSK 6. 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.