Both… and… (又…又…)
又……，又……
Describe two qualities or actions that exist simultaneously using the 又……又…… pattern
This pattern indicates that two qualities, states, or actions coexist at the same time. A and B are typically adjectives or verbs that describe the subject simultaneously.
A and B should belong to the same category — both positive, both negative, or both describing similar types of qualities. Mixing a positive and negative adjective sounds unnatural unless done for deliberate rhetorical effect.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Both… and… (又…又…) (又……，又……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 又……，又…… pattern
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Understanding 又……，又……
The 又……又…… pattern is one of the most useful ways to describe something that has two simultaneous qualities. Think of it as "both A and B at the same time." For example, a piece of clothing that is 又好看又便宜 (both good-looking and cheap) — what a deal! This pattern works with adjectives (又大又亮 — both big and bright), verbs (又唱歌又跳舞 — both singing and dancing), and even short phrases. The key rule is that A and B should be compatible — either both positive or both negative. You would not normally say 又好看又难看 because those are contradictory. This is a high-frequency pattern in everyday Chinese, and mastering it will let you add vivid, layered descriptions to your speech.
Key Points
- 又 A 又 B — both A and B exist simultaneously.
- A and B are usually the same type: both adjectives, both verbs, or both short phrases.
- The pair should be compatible — both positive or both negative.
- Very common with adjective pairs: 又大又圆, 又便宜又好吃, 又高又帅.
- Can describe actions happening at the same time: 又唱又跳.
- Unlike 也 (which connects separate clauses), 又 creates a tighter, more vivid description.
Chinese speakers love using 又……又…… to describe food — 又香又辣 (fragrant and spicy), 又甜又软 (sweet and soft). At markets and restaurants, you will hear vendors using this pattern to advertise: 又便宜又新鲜! (Both cheap and fresh!)
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
晚会上大家又唱歌，又跳舞，高兴极了。
At the party everyone both sang and danced — they were extremely happy.
这件衣服样子又好看，价格又便宜。
This piece of clothing both looks good and is cheap.
今天的月亮又大又圆，真漂亮！
Today the moon is both big and round — so beautiful!
这个菜又香又辣，我特别喜欢。
This dish is both fragrant and spicy — I especially like it.
弟弟又聪明又努力，成绩一直很好。
My younger brother is both smart and hardworking — his grades have always been good.
外面又冷又黑，我不想出去。
It is both cold and dark outside — I do not want to go out.
搬家又累又麻烦，我真不想搬。
Moving house is both tiring and troublesome — I really do not want to move.
这个西瓜又甜又多汁。
This watermelon is both sweet and juicy.
Common Mistakes
A and B must be compatible — you cannot pair contradictory adjectives like "good-looking" and "ugly."
Do not add 很 before the adjectives in the 又……又…… pattern. The adjectives follow 又 directly.
Do not insert connectors like 而且 between 又 A and 又 B. The pattern is self-contained.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 又……又…… as a snapshot — both qualities exist right now, at the same time.
This pattern is a go-to for describing food, people, and places. Practice with things around you.
Keep adjectives bare — no 很, no 非常 before them. Just 又 + adjective.
To remember the difference from 也: 又……又 = one subject, two qualities; 也 = comparing two subjects.
Homework
Describe six things using 又……又……. Include two about food, two about people, and two about places or objects. Make sure at least two descriptions use negative adjective pairs (e.g., 又贵又难吃).