HSK 7

Using “亦” (yì) to emphasize “also/too”

Explanation

亦 (yì) means "also, too," a formal, archaic way of saying 也 (yě). It is an adverb (a word that modifies a verb or adjective) with a classical/literary flavor (an archaic, formal usage that survives in modern Chinese).

Structure

[A] 亦 (yì) + [verb/adjective]; or the parallel form A 亦 B to say "A is also B." For example, 失败亦是成功 (shībài yì shì chénggōng) = "failure is also success."

When to use

in formal written text, idioms, and sentences that are philosophical or that imitate a classical style; it is almost never used in everyday speech.

Distinguish

亦 = 也 in meaning ("also"), but 亦 is formal/archaic while 也 is neutral and used every day. Like 也, 亦 goes before the verb or adjective and does not sit at the end of the sentence.

Common mistakes

overusing 亦 in everyday speech, which makes the sentence sound affected; placing 亦 in the wrong position (it must go before the verb/adjective, not at the end of the sentence like some other particles).

Examples

此人并不存在,将来亦不会出现,永远不会。
rénbìngcúnzàijiāngláihuìchūxiànyǒngyuǎnhuì

This person does not exist at all, nor will he ever appear in the future, never.

若能从失败中获得教训,失败亦是成功。
ruònéngcóngshībàizhōnghuòjiàoxùnshībàishìchénggōng

If one can draw a lesson from failure, then failure is also a form of success.

Practice

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Learn “亦” effectively

The grammar point “亦” (Using “亦” (yì) to emphasize “also/too”) 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.

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