HSK 7-9
非A非B
fēi A fēi B
Neither A nor B (literary)
Structure
非 + [Adjective/Noun A] + 非 + [Adjective/Noun B]
How it works
The structure '非A非B' is a literary four-character expression used to describe something that does not fall into either of two specific categories or possesses an ambiguous nature. It often suggests that the subject is a unique or strange hybrid that defies simple classification.
Examples
这种非驴非马的设计，很难让市场接受。
Zhè zhǒng fēi lǘ fēi mǎ de shèjì, hěn nán ràng shìchǎng jiēshòu.
This 'neither donkey nor horse' (mismatched) design is hard for the market to accept.
他脸上露出了一个非哭非笑的表情。
Tā liǎn shàng lùchū le yīgè fēi kū fēi xiào de biǎoqíng.
A look that was neither a cry nor a laugh appeared on his face.
这种颜色非青非绿，非常独特。
Zhè zhǒng yánsè fēi qīng fēi lǜ, fēicháng dútè.
This color is neither blue nor green; it is very unique.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse this with '不是...也不是...'; while they share a meaning, '非A非B' is formal and usually restricted to monosyllabic words (single characters) for A and B to maintain rhythm.
Tip
Think of this pattern as a way to create formal four-character idioms (Chengyu-like structures) to describe nuance or ambiguity.
More HSK 7-9 grammar
See 非A非B in real Chinese
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