HSK 7

无所谓X不X

wú suǒ wèi X bù X

The structure 无所谓X不X

Explanation

无所谓X不X is a colloquial template (格式 gěshì) expressing the attitude 'it doesn't matter, I don't care whether X or not X', as long as some other condition is met.

Structure

无所谓 (wúsuǒwèi, 'it doesn't matter, no big deal') + X不X (X is an adjective or verb, repeated in an affirmative-negative form such as 好看不好看, 贵不贵). It is usually followed by a clause stating what truly matters (我满意就行 = as long as I'm satisfied, it's fine).

When to use

In colloquial speech, when expressing that one does not attach importance to a certain criterion; it usually stands at the head of the sentence.

Distinguish

无所谓 used on its own means 'either way is fine' (你去不去我无所谓, 'whether you go or not doesn't matter to me'); here 无所谓 + X不X specifies the criterion one is unconcerned about. Do not confuse it with 不管X不X (bùguǎn, 'whether X or not X, still…'), which is a concessive conjunction.

Common mistakes

X must be the same word repeated in the 'X不X' form, not two different words; and one usually needs to add a clause stating the condition one truly values to make the sentence complete in meaning.

Examples

无所谓好看不好看,我满意就行。
suǒwèihǎokànhǎokànmǎnjiùxíng

It doesn't matter whether it's good-looking or not; as long as I'm satisfied, it's fine.

无所谓贵不贵,质量好就可以。
suǒwèiguìbuguìzhìliànghǎojiù

It doesn't matter whether it's expensive or not; as long as the quality is good, it will do.

Practice

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Learn “无所谓X不X” effectively

The grammar point “无所谓X不X” (The structure 无所谓X不X) 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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