HSK 7
连A带B
lián A dài B
连A带B – Both A and B (expressing two simultaneous actions)
Explanation
"连A带B" is a four-character phrase (四字格 sìzìgé, a fixed four-character construction) used to describe two actions occurring simultaneously and intertwined, usually exaggerated for vividness; it means "both A and B (at once)".
连 (lián) + A + 带 (dài) + B, where A and B are usually two single-syllable verbs (or action elements) of the same kind and close in meaning (哭 kū "cry" / 叫 jiào "shout"; 蹦 bèng "leap" / 跳 tiào "jump about").
when you want to depict a flustered, hectic, image-rich state; often used after a degree complement (the element after a verb/adjective indicating result or degree) as in "…得连…带…".
"连A带B" emphasizes two motions closely joined into a single scene; different from "又A又B" (yòu…yòu…), which merely states two qualities/states in parallel in a neutral way. "连A带B" is more vivid and colloquial.
pairing A and B that are not of the same kind or do not fit in meaning (this phrase is usually a fixed combination, not freely assembled at will); inserting extra characters in the middle, which breaks the four-character structure.
Examples
The few children were so frightened they both cried and screamed.
The letter was written by her boyfriend, and she was so happy she both leaped and bounced about.
Practice
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Learn “连A带B” effectively
The grammar point “连A带B” (连A带B – Both A and B (expressing two simultaneous actions)) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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