Difference between revisions of "Expressing "both A and B" with "you""

Line 2: Line 2:
 
In English, we often use descriptive words, and more than not, use multiple at a time. The character 又 (yòu) can be used to give two qualities or features to something. Using 又 (yòu) and the structure is like saying that something is "both ... and ... " in English.  
 
In English, we often use descriptive words, and more than not, use multiple at a time. The character 又 (yòu) can be used to give two qualities or features to something. Using 又 (yòu) and the structure is like saying that something is "both ... and ... " in English.  
  
== Structure ==
+
=== Structure ===
  
 
The structure in Chinese is:
 
The structure in Chinese is:
Line 14: Line 14:
 
Unlike in English, the two words can't contrast in feeling. It is important to note they must both be bad or both be good.
 
Unlike in English, the two words can't contrast in feeling. It is important to note they must both be bad or both be good.
  
== Examples ==
+
=== Examples ===
  
 
<div class="liju">
 
<div class="liju">

Revision as of 06:29, 3 July 2015

In English, we often use descriptive words, and more than not, use multiple at a time. The character 又 (yòu) can be used to give two qualities or features to something. Using 又 (yòu) and the structure is like saying that something is "both ... and ... " in English.

Structure

The structure in Chinese is:

Subject + 又 + Adjective 1 + 又 + Adjective 2

Unlike in English, the two words can't contrast in feeling. It is important to note they must both be bad or both be good.

Examples

  • 帅。yòu gāo yòu shuài.He is both tall and handsome.
  • 聪明 漂亮。yòu cōngmíng yòu piàoliang.She is both smart and beautiful。
  • 这 个 啤酒 好喝 便宜。Zhè gè píjiǔ yòu hǎo hē yòu piányí.This beer is both good-tasting and cheap.
  • 笨。yòu chǒu yòu bèn.He is both ugly and stupid.
  • 这 房间 亮。Zhè fángjiān yòu yòu liàng.This apartment is both big and bright.
  • 你们 老板 年轻 有钱。Nǐmen lǎobǎn yòu niánqīng yòu yǒu qián.Your boss is both young and rich.
  • 这 个 苹果 甜。Zhè gè píngguǒ yòu hóng yòu tián.This apple is both red and sweet.
  • 这 个 孩子 小。Zhè gè háizi yòu shòu yòu xiǎo.This child is both thin and small.
  • 小狗 可爱 听话。Xiǎo gǒu yòu kě'ài yòu tīnghuà.The puppy is both cute and obedient.
  • 这 种 东西 真 是 难吃。Zhè zhǒng dōngxī zhēn shì yòu guì yòu nán chī.This thing really is both expensive and bad-tasting.

See also

Sources and further reading

Books