Conjunction 又...又

This pattern is like a balance scale. You put one quality on one side and another on the other. The word 又 literally means "again" or "also." When you use it twice, it means "not only A, but also B." You can use it with adjectives. You can also use it with verbs. However, there is a golden rule. The two things you link must be "balanced." This means they should both be positive or both be negative. You wouldn't usually say someone is "both smart and ugly" using this pattern. It feels grammatically "off" to native ears. It is like wearing one sneaker and one flip-flop. It just doesn't match! Keep the vibes consistent. If the first word is a compliment, the second should be too. If the first is a complaint, keep the second one grumpy.

1. 1Building a sentence with 又...又 is like playing with Lego blocks. You just snap the pieces together. Follow these steps:
2. 2Start with your Subject (the person or thing you are talking about).
3. 3Add the first 又.
4. 4Add your first Adjective or Verb.
5. 5Add the second 又.
6. 6Add your second Adjective or Verb.
7. 7Structure: [Subject] + 又 + [A] + 又 + [B].
8. 8Example: 这个苹果又大又红。 (This apple is both big and red.)
9. 9Note that you do not need the word 很 (hěn) here. Usually, adjectives need 很, but 又 takes over that job. It provides the emphasis itself. Also, notice there is no 和 (hé) used here. In Chinese, 和 is mostly for linking nouns, not adjectives.

Use this when you want to describe two characteristics of one thing.

• Ordering Food: "This soup is both hot and spicy!" (又烫又辣)
• Shopping: "This dress is both cheap and beautiful." (又便宜又漂亮)
• Describing People: "My teacher is both tall and handsome." (又高又帅)
• Weather: "Today is both cold and windy." (又冷又刮风)

It is perfect for when one adjective just isn't enough. It adds flavor to your descriptions. It shows you have a broader vocabulary. It also helps you speak with a nice rhythm. Native speakers love the "da-da-da-da" beat of this pattern. It sounds snappy and confident.

There are a few "red lights" for this grammar traffic signal.

First, don't link nouns. You cannot say "I have both an apple and a pear" using 又...又. For that, you just use 和.

Second, don't mix the mood. As mentioned, don't pair "delicious" with "expensive" unless you are trying to be ironic. Usually, we use 不但...而且 or 但是 for mixed qualities.

Third, don't use it for long phrases. Keep the words between the 又s short. One or two characters is the sweet spot. If you start adding long sentences in between, the rhythm breaks. It becomes a mouthful. Keep it simple, keep it clean.

Even native speakers might slip up, but you don't have to!

One big mistake is forgetting the second 又. You need both. It is a pair. If you only use one, the sentence feels unfinished. It is like a cliffhanger no one wanted.

Another mistake is adding 很. You might want to say 又很漂亮, but the 很 is unnecessary. 又 already tells us the quality is significant.

Finally, watch out for word order. The 又 must come *before* the adjective. Don't say 漂亮又. It must be 又漂亮. Think of 又 as a highlighter. You highlight the word that comes right after it.

How is this different from 和 (hé)? 和 is for stuff. "Coffee and tea." 又...又 is for qualities. "Hot and sweet."

How about 不但...而且 (búdàn... érqiě)? This means "not only... but also." It is more formal. It also implies a progression. It is like saying, "Wait, there's more!" 又...又 is simpler. It just presents two facts at the same time.

What about 也 (yě)? 也 is used in two separate clauses. "He is tall. He is also handsome." 又...又 combines them into one smooth thought. It is the "express lane" of Chinese grammar.