Expressing "both A and B" with "you"

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:

Subj. + 又 + Adj. 1 + 又 + Adj. 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

  • 她 男朋友 帅。Tā nánpéngyou yòu gāo yòu shuài.Her boyfriend is both tall and handsome.
  • 这 个 房子 亮。Zhège fángjiān yòuyòu liàng.This house is both big and bright.
  • 妈妈 的 头发 亮。Māma de tóufa yòu hēi yòu liàng.Mom's hair is both black and shiny.
  • 我姐姐 聪明 漂亮。Wǒjiějie yòu cōngmíng yòu piàoliang.My elder sister is both smart and beautiful。
  • 中国菜 便宜 好吃。Zhōngguó cài yòu piányi yòu hǎochī.Chinese food is both cheap and good-tasting.
  • 你们 老板 年轻 有钱。Nǐmen lǎobǎn yòu niánqīng yòu yǒu qián.Your boss is both young and rich.
  • 这里 的 咖啡 难喝。Zhèlǐ de kāfēi yòu guì yòu nánhē.The coffee here is both expensive and bad-tasting.
  • 我家小狗 可爱 听话。Wǒjiāgǒu yòu kě'ài yòu tīnghuà.My family's dog is both cute and obedient.
  • 她 小时候 瘦,现在 漂亮 多 了。Zhè ge háizi yòu shòu yòu xiǎo.This child is both thin and small.
  • 上海 的 冬天 湿。 Shànghǎi de dōngtiān yòu lěng yòu shī.He is both ugly and stupid.


See also

Sources and further reading

Books