Log inSign up

HSK 7

东A西B

The structure 'East A West B' (东A西B)

Explanation

This structure is used to express an action done haphazardly, without order, or the toil of running back and forth in many places. Parts A and B are usually two near-synonymous or complementary verbs, forming a fixed phrase. For example '东挑西选' means to pick haphazardly, '东奔西跑' means to run all over the place laboriously.

Examples

她买东西就喜欢东挑西选。
tāmǎidōngxījiùxǐhuandōngtiāoxīxuǎn。
为了买到一张火车票，我东奔西跑，累得一身汗。
wèilemǎidàoyìzhānghuǒchēpiào，wǒdōngbēnxīpǎo，lèidéyìshēnhàn。
【七–九063】非A非B
【qī–jiǔ063】fēiAfēiB
这场悲剧的制造者非你非我，另有他人。
zhèchǎngbēijùdezhìzàozhěfēinǐfēiwǒ，lìngyǒutārén。
我们非敌非友，只是那天见过一面而已。
wǒmenfēidífēiyǒu，zhǐshìnàtiānjiànguòyímiànéryǐ。
【七–九064】忽A忽B
【qī–jiǔ064】hūAhūB
叔叔书房的门关着，里边的说话声忽高忽低。
shūshushūfángdeménguānzhe，lǐbiāndeshuōhuàshēnghūgāohūdī。
他十分紧张，心跳得忽快忽慢。
tāshífēnjǐnzhāng，xīntiàodéhūkuàihūmàn。

Learn “东A西B” effectively

The grammar point “东A西B” (The structure 'East A West B' (东A西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.

Frequently asked questions