既…也…
HSK 4- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 既…也… is used to connect two coexisting qualities or actions, carrying the meaning "both... and..." / "at once... and...".
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The conjunction 既…也… (jì…yě…) is used to express two situations or two characteristics that coexist in a single subject, equivalent to 'both… and…' or 'not only… but also…'.
The two clauses joined are typically of the same nature — for example, both being advantages or both being disadvantages. This structure emphasizes the parallel existence of both elements, and generally carries a more formal tone than 又…又….
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他既聪明也努力。繁: 他既聰明也努力。Tā jì cōngmíng yě nǔlì.
He is both intelligent and hardworking.
- 这件衣服既好看也便宜。繁: 這件衣服既好看也便宜。Zhè jiàn yīfu jì hǎokàn yě piányi.
This outfit is both attractive and inexpensive.
- 她既会说汉语也会说英语。繁: 她既會說漢語也會說英語。Tā jì huì shuō Hànyǔ yě huì shuō Yīngyǔ.
She can speak both Chinese and English.
- 这个方法既省时也省力。繁: 這個方法既省時也省力。Zhège fāngfǎ jì shěng shí yě shěng lì.
This method both saves time and saves effort.
- 这个地方既安静也干净。繁: 這個地方既安靜也乾淨。Zhège dìfang jì ānjìng yě gānjìng.
This place is both quiet and clean.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他既喜欢唱歌也跳舞。Correct:他既喜欢唱歌，也喜欢跳舞。
The two clauses connected by `既…也…` must have parallel and symmetrical grammatical structure; the second clause needs to repeat the verb `喜欢`.
- Wrong:这道菜既辣，也一点儿甜。Correct:这道菜既辣，也有一点儿甜。
The two parts must be parallel in structure. `辣` is an adjective, while `一点儿甜` is not a complete construction. Use `有一点儿甜` instead.