[Learn basic Chinese with grammar] How to use 又…又… for “both…and”

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What does 又…又… mean?

又…又… ♬ means “both…and.” It is often used when one person, thing, or situation has two qualities at the same time.

Pattern	Basic meaning	Main use
又 ♬ + Adjective 1 + 又 + Adjective 2	both adjective 1 and adjective 2	two qualities at the same time

This pattern usually describes qualities, feelings, or features. It is not the normal way to connect two nouns.

1. 又 + adjective + 又 + adjective

Use 又…又… ♬ before two adjectives when both descriptions are true at the same time.

Pattern	Meaning
Subject + 又 + Adjective 1 + 又 + Adjective 2	Subject is both adjective 1 and adjective 2

Chinese	English
這個背包又輕又耐用。 ♬	This backpack is both light and durable.
這個介面又簡單又清楚。 ♬	This interface is both simple and clear.

The two adjectives usually describe the same subject.

2. 又…又… can describe positive features

又…又… is common when praising something with two good qualities.

Chinese	English
這間旅館又乾淨又安靜。 ♬	This hotel is both clean and quiet.
這個方法又快又有效。 ♬	This method is both fast and effective.

This pattern makes the two good points feel connected and balanced.

3. 又…又… can also describe negative qualities

又…又… can also describe two negative qualities. The pattern itself is neutral; the adjectives decide the feeling.

Chinese	English
這段樓梯又窄又陡。 ♬	This section of stairs is both narrow and steep.
這個流程又長又複雜。 ♬	This process is both long and complicated.

In these sentences, the speaker is describing two problems at the same time.

4. 又…又… with feelings

又…又… can also describe mixed feelings or two reactions happening together.

Chinese	English
她又緊張又期待。 ♬	She is both nervous and excited.
我又驚訝又好奇。 ♬	I am both surprised and curious.

This use is common when two emotions exist at the same time.

5. 又…又… is not for simple noun lists

Do not use 又…又… to connect two ordinary nouns. For noun lists, use 和 ♬ or 跟 ♬.

Not natural	Natural Chinese
桌上有又文件又收據。	桌上有文件和收據。 ♬
袋子裡有又鑰匙又票。	袋子裡有鑰匙跟票。 ♬

The not-natural examples are only for comparison, so they do not need audio.

6. Keep the two parts parallel

The two parts after 又 should usually be similar in structure. The most basic pattern uses two adjectives.

Clear and balanced	English
又便宜又方便 ♬	both cheap and convenient
又安全又穩定 ♬	both safe and stable

For beginners, start with two short adjectives. This makes the sentence easy to understand and natural.

7. 又…又… vs. 也

又…又… combines two qualities in one subject. 也 ♬ means “also” and often adds another statement.

Chinese	English	Focus
這個背包又輕又耐用。 ♬	This backpack is both light and durable.	two qualities together
這個背包很輕，也很耐用。 ♬	This backpack is light, and it is also durable.	adds another statement

Both can be correct, but 又…又… feels more compact and balanced.

Useful words and example sentences