既…又…
HSK 4- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 既…又… is used to connect two qualities or actions that coexist in the same subject, equivalent to "both… and…" or "not only… but also…".
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The structure 既…又… (jì…yòu…) is used to express that a person or thing simultaneously possesses two qualities or performs two actions. The two qualities are typically both positive or both negative in tone.
It emphasizes that both sides are equally true and equally important. The equivalent expressions in English are "both… and…" or "not only… but also…".
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他既聪明又努力。繁: 他既聰明又努力。Tā jì cōngmíng yòu nǔlì.
He is both intelligent and diligent.
- 这件衣服既好看又便宜。繁: 這件衣服既好看又便宜。Zhè jiàn yīfu jì hǎokàn yòu piányi.
This piece of clothing is both attractive and affordable.
- 这个工作既累又无聊。繁: 這個工作既累又無聊。Zhège gōngzuò jì lèi yòu wúliáo.
This job is both tiring and boring.
- 她说话既快又清楚。繁: 她說話既快又清楚。Tā shuōhuà jì kuài yòu qīngchǔ.
She speaks both quickly and clearly.
- 学中文既有意思又有用。繁: 學中文既有意思又有用。Xué Zhōngwén jì yǒu yìsi yòu yǒu yòng.
Learning Chinese is both interesting and useful.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:这个西瓜既大又不甜。Correct:这个西瓜虽然大，但是不甜。
既…又… typically connects two characteristics in the same direction (both positive or both negative). Since "tall" is positive and "not sweet" is negative, use 虽然…但是… to show contrast instead.
- Wrong:既他会唱歌又会跳舞。Correct:他既会唱歌又会跳舞。
The correlative conjunction 既…又… must come after the subject to modify it; it cannot come before.