The structures "both... and..."
To express this meaning, we use 又…又… in speaking and 既…又… or 既…也… in writing.
The structure 又…又…
The structure 又…又… 
can connect adjectives, verbs, and verb phrases.
There is only one subject in these type of sentences, and it’s placed before the structure.
can connect adjectives, verbs, and verb phrases.
There is only one subject in these type of sentences, and it’s placed before the structure.Scheme
subject
又
A
又
B
If there is an adjective after 又, it means that the subject has the qualities of both “A” and “B”.
Pay attention
Both adjectives should be either positive or negative.
For example, you can say “both smart and beautiful”, but you can’t say “both silly and beautiful”.
Examples
你又老又病
You’re old and ill
nĭ yòu lăo yòu bìng
这些糕饼做起来又快又简单
These cakes are quick and easy to make.
zhè xiē gāobǐng zuòqǐlái yòu kuài yòu jiǎndān
Pay attention
Adverbs of degree, such as 很 or 太 , can’t be used before an adjective.
or 太 , can’t be used before an adjective.If there are two verbs or verb phrases after 又, it means that the subject is performing both these actions.
Examples
他又想见他，又不想见他
He wants and doesn't want to see him at the same time
tā yòu xiǎngjiàn tā, yòu bù xiǎng jiàn tā
我们又唱又跳
We’re singing and dancing
wŏmen yòu chàng yòu tiào
The structure 既…又…
既…又… is a similar structure, but it’s more formal. It’s mostly used in writing.
is a similar structure, but it’s more formal. It’s mostly used in writing.Examples
她既温柔又体贴
She is gentle and considerate
tā jì wēnróu yòu tǐtiē
我的话使他既惊讶又困惑
My words both surprised and confused him
wǒ de huà shǐ tā jì jīngyà yòu kùnhuò
You can make the structure negative by placing the negative particles before the verb.
In this case, the structure means "neither... nor...".
Examples
他既不会唱歌又不会跳舞
He can neither sing nor dance
tā jì bú huì chànggē yòu bú huì tiàowǔ
The structure 既…也…
The structure 既…也… is used in a similar way as 既…又…, but it only connects verbs and short phrases, not adjectives.
is used in a similar way as 既…又…, but it only connects verbs and short phrases, not adjectives.Examples
这项运动既需要速度也需要体力
This sport requires both speed and physical strength
tāmen jì mài bào yě mài shū
他们既卖报也卖书
They sell both newspapers and books
zhè xiàng yùndòng jì xūyào sùdù yě xūyào tǐlì
You can also make this structure negative:
Examples
他既不抽烟也不喝酒
He neither smokes nor drinks
tā jì bù chōuyān yĕ bù hējiŭ