Conjunction 既...又/也

This pattern connects two descriptive elements. These can be adjectives, verbs, or even short phrases. The most important thing is balance. If the first part is positive, the second should be too. If the first part is negative, keep the second one negative. You wouldn't say someone is "both beautiful and smells like old cheese." That sounds weird in any language! In Chinese, 既 (jì) starts the sequence. Then comes the first quality. After that, you use 又 (yòu) or 也 (yě). Finally, you add the second quality. It is like building a bridge between two ideas. Both sides of the bridge need to match. This structure adds a bit more weight than just saying "and."

1. 1Follow these steps to build your sentence:
2. 2Start with your Subject. This is the person or thing you are describing.
3. 3Add the word 既 immediately after the subject.
4. 4Put your first Adjective or Verb right after 既.
5. 5Add 又 or 也 to start the second part.
6. 6Finish with your second Adjective or Verb.
7. 7Structure: Subject + 既 + A + 又/也 + B.
8. 8Example: 他 (Subject) + 既 + 高 (A) + 又 + 帅 (B).
9. 9This means: "He is both tall and handsome."

Use this when you want to emphasize two traits. Imagine you are in a job interview. You want to impress the boss. You could say you are 既努力又负责 (both hardworking and responsible). This sounds much more confident than two separate sentences.

Another great scenario is ordering food. You want a meal that is 既快又便宜 (both fast and cheap). It is perfect for describing places too. Maybe your new apartment is 既安静又方便 (both quiet and convenient). Use it when the two traits naturally go together. It helps you paint a fuller picture of whatever you are talking about. It is also great for describing skills. "She 既会说中文也会说英文" (She can both speak Chinese and English). It shows a range of abilities in one go.

Do not use this to link two unrelated subjects. You cannot say "Both I am tall and he is short" with this. It only works for one subject at a time. Also, avoid mixing "moods." Do not pair a compliment with an insult. For example, 既漂亮又笨 (both pretty and stupid) sounds very jarring.

Avoid using it for a sequence of events. If you went to the store and then the park, use different grammar. This pattern is for things happening or existing at the same time. It is about traits, not a timeline. Also, don't use it for very long, complex stories. Keep the A and B parts relatively short. If the parts are too long, the rhythm breaks.

One big mistake is putting the subject in the wrong place. Never put 既 before the subject.

✗ 既他高又帅 is wrong.

✓ 他既高又帅 is correct.

Another mistake is forgetting the second connector. You cannot just use 既 and then a comma. You need that 又 or 也 to complete the pair. Think of them like chopsticks. You really need both to make it work!

Some people also try to use 和 (and) instead of 又.

✗ 他既高和帅 sounds very unnatural to native ears.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired! But you should try to keep them paired correctly. Lastly, don't use it for opposites. "Both hot and cold" usually requires a different structure unless you are describing a very strange soup.

How is this different from 又...又...?

又...又... is much more informal. You use it with friends while hanging out. 既...又/也 is a bit more formal and "proper." It shows you have a good handle on the language.

What about 不但...而且...?

不但...而且... means "not only... but also..." It puts more emphasis on the second part. It suggests that the second trait is even more surprising or important. 既...又/也 treats both traits as equal. They are like two best friends standing side by side. Neither one is more important than the other. Use 既...又/也 when you want a balanced description.