HSK 7
非A非B
fēi A fēi B
非A非B (fēi A fēi B) - Neither A nor B
Explanation
非A非B (fēi A fēi B) is a four-character set phrase (四字格, sìzìgé, a fixed four-syllable expression) meaning "neither A nor B," negating both possibilities at once, implying that the thing is in an ambiguous, unclear, good-for-nothing state.
非 (fēi, not) + A + 非 + B, where A and B are usually two single syllables that are opposite or parallel (中/西 Chinese/Western, 敌/友 enemy/friend, 驴/马 donkey/horse).
it has a written, idiomatic flavor; it usually carries a disparaging tone, referring to something half-baked, unfinished, or hard to define (as in 非驴非马, fēi lǘ fēi mǎ, neither donkey nor horse).
非 here is the classical-language way of negating (an ancient, formal usage), equivalent to the everyday 不是 (bùshì, is not); but 不是A不是B sounds disjointed, whereas 非A非B is concise and forms a fixed unit.
cramming a long two-syllable phrase into the A/B slot (this structure requires monosyllabic A, B); using it in a neutral everyday context, which makes the sentence affected; mistaking 非 for the meaning "very" (as in 非常, fēicháng) — here 非 is a negation.
Examples
This design is neither Chinese nor Western; it looks very awkward.
We are neither enemies nor friends — we just met once that day, that's all.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “非A非B” effectively
The grammar point “非A非B” (非A非B (fēi A fēi B) - Neither A nor B) 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.
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.