How to use 既…又；既…也
Subject + 既 + predicate 1 + 又 / 也 + predicate 2
既 links two descriptions that both apply to the same person, thing, or situation. The following 又 or 也 introduces the second description, making the combination explicit. The predicates can be qualities, actions, or identities, as long as the sentence presents them in a compatible structure. The construction may praise a combination, note mixed features, or simply report two facts.
Keep the two parts reasonably parallel, including 是 where an identity statement needs it. Degree or manner complements can belong inside each predicate. Unlike 又 used alone for repetition, the paired 又 here helps coordinate descriptions. The sentence does not necessarily claim the qualities are surprising together; that implication comes from their content and context.
Examples with pinyin and English
这个同事既积极又努力。
This colleague is both proactive and hard-working.
这家餐厅既便宜又好吃。
This restaurant is both cheap and delicious.
他做事情既快又好。
He does things both quickly and well.
这家银行的服务既热情又周到。
This bank's service is both enthusiastic and thorough.
这里既是你的家乡， 也是我的家乡。
This is both your hometown and mine.
What to remember
- Use parallel predicates after 既 and 又 or 也.
- Include 是 when stating identities.
- Distinguish paired 又 from its again meaning.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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