Parallel 也...也...: Both...And...
（也）……，也……
Express that two or more things are equally true using the 也...也... parallel structure
Use 也 in both clauses to express that two things are equally true — "both A and B." The first 也 is optional but commonly included for balance and emphasis.
This structure can list two or more items, activities, or qualities that the subject likes, does, or has equally. It often implies the subject is not picky or that both options apply equally.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Parallel 也...也...: Both...And... (（也）……，也……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the （也）……，也…… pattern
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Understanding （也）……，也……
The 也...也... structure is a versatile way to express "both...and..." in Chinese. It shows that two or more things are equally true, valid, or applicable. When you say 篮球他也喜欢，排球他也喜欢, you are emphasizing that he likes both sports equally — neither is preferred over the other. This structure is different from simple 和 (and) because it creates a parallel emphasis: each clause gets its own 也, giving each item equal weight. The first 也 is sometimes omitted, but including it creates a more balanced, rhythmic sentence. This pattern is particularly useful for expressing non-preference (I like both!), listing multiple skills, or describing someone who is versatile. It appears frequently in spoken Chinese and adds a natural, flowing quality to your speech.
Key Points
- Basic pattern: Topic 也 VP，Topic 也 VP — equal weight on both.
- The first 也 can be omitted: 篮球他喜欢，排球他也喜欢 — but including it is more balanced.
- Can extend to three or more items: …也…，…也…，…也….
- The subject can appear in different positions: 他也喜欢A，也喜欢B or A他也喜欢，B他也喜欢.
- Often implies the person is not picky or that all options apply: 什么都行.
- Different from 又...又... which describes two qualities of the same thing simultaneously.
- The structure emphasizes equal truth: both A and B, not one more than the other.
In Chinese culture, expressing equal liking for multiple things (using 也...也...) can signal open-mindedness and agreeability. When asked about preferences, answering with 这个我也喜欢，那个我也喜欢 shows flexibility and is considered polite, especially when being treated to a meal.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
篮球他也喜欢，排球他也喜欢。
He likes basketball and he also likes volleyball.
面条儿我也爱吃，米饭我也爱吃。
I love eating noodles and I also love eating rice.
他也会说英语，也会说中文。
He can speak English and he can also speak Chinese.
这个也好，那个也好。
This one is fine and that one is fine too.
Expressing non-preference
爸爸也忙，妈妈也忙。
Dad is busy and mom is busy too.
唱歌她也喜欢，跳舞她也喜欢。
She likes singing and she also likes dancing.
咖啡他也喝，茶他也喝。
He drinks coffee and he also drinks tea.
Common Mistakes
Using 和 with a single 也 does not create the parallel emphasis. The 也...也... structure highlights each item equally.
Keep the structure parallel — both clauses should follow the same word order.
又...又... is for two qualities of the same thing (又大又好). Use 也...也... for "both A and B."
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 也...也... as putting a spotlight on each item equally: "this one too, that one too."
Keep the clauses parallel — same word order in both halves for a balanced, natural sound.
This is great for answering "which do you prefer?" with "I like both!": 这个我也喜欢，那个我也喜欢.
You can extend to three or more: A也..., B也..., C也... — all equally true.
Homework
Write eight pairs of 也...也... sentences. Cover topics like foods you enjoy, sports you play, languages you speak, places you have visited, and skills you have. Try at least two sentences with three parallel 也 clauses.