HSKReadyGet the appHSK 6 Fixed Phrase: 这/那也不X ，那/这也不Y
The symmetrical fixed phrase 这/那也不X ，那/这也不Y uses paired demonstratives and negation to show that someone rejects, dislikes, or fails to do practically everything in a given situation.
这孩子太挑食了，这也不吃，那也不喝。
Uses two related monosyllabic verbs (吃 and 喝) to describe general pickiness.
× 他在家里不也做这，不也管那，整天看电视。
For the stated negative meaning, 不也 has the wrong order: it can suggest an affirmative rhetorical question. Use 也不. The correction also adopts the demonstrative-topic pattern taught here; it does not ban post-verbal objects in ordinary Chinese.
Corrected example: 他在家里这也不做，那也不管，整天看电视。
Read the full explanation and examples
Core Meaning and Syllabus Scope
In the HSK 6 grammar outline (2025-11 edition with a 2026-07 implementation label), 这/那也不X ，那/这也不Y is categorized under fixed formats and fixed phrases. Note that syllabus levels indicate this specific outline's classification rather than a guarantee of which exam version a given test center currently administers.
这 and 那 can refer to specific options, or together evoke a wider range of “this and that.” In a complaint, the pair can suggest that nothing seems acceptable, but it does not literally establish rejection of every possible item. The new-environment example concerns difficulty adapting rather than deliberate refusal.
这孩子太挑食了，这也不吃，那也不喝。
Uses two related monosyllabic verbs (吃 and 喝) to describe general pickiness.
客户改了好几次方案，这也不满意，那也不顺眼，真难伺候。
Uses two disyllabic adjectives/stative verbs (满意 and 顺眼) to show that nothing meets the client's standards.
Sentence Structure and Slot Options
Each half has the order demonstrative + 也不 + predicate. Short predicates produce a compact rhythm, but the construction has no fixed limit of four or five characters per half.
- X and Y may repeat or describe different relevant actions or states. They do not have to be synonyms or belong to one strict word-class or meaning category; the situation should make the parallel understandable.
- X and Y can also be the exact same word repeated in both halves (such as 行 and 行, 懂 and 懂, or 要 and 要) to emphasize blanket rejection or inability.
- Both 这-first and 那-first orders are possible. With broad “this and that,” the emphasis is similar. If the words point to particular items and X differs from Y, swapping them can change which item receives which description.
- For clarity in Chinese rhythm, the predicates in X and Y are almost always concise—typically one or two syllables—without long objects or complex complements trailing behind them.
每次开会你都这也不行，那也不行，到底有什么具体的建议？
Repeats the exact same predicate (行) in both slots X and Y to criticize someone who only vetoes ideas.
刚到新环境的时候，他那也不习惯，这也不适应，过了两个月才好起来。
Places 那 first and 这 second, describing temporary maladjustment rather than deliberate stubbornness.
Pragmatic Tone and Useful Contrasts
Because this construction exaggerates by sweeping multiple items into "this and that," it carries a strong evaluative tone. When directed at another person, it almost always expresses frustration, criticism, or impatience. When used about oneself or a sympathetic subject, it highlights helplessness or feeling overwhelmed. Consequently, it belongs in conversational Mandarin, narrative prose, or informal commentary rather than neutral legal, scientific, or bureaucratic writing.
既不X，也不Y coordinates two negative descriptions. It can be used calmly or critically, depending on context; for example, calling work unstable and difficult may itself be a complaint. The 这/那 pattern instead foregrounds options or topics as “this and that.”
这份临时工作既不稳定，也不轻松。
既不……也不…… negates two qualities of the same job. This is coordinated negation, not double negation that reverses polarity; the sentence may still express dissatisfaction.
Common Learner Mistake: Word Order and Fronting
For the intended description of what he does not do, use 也不. 不也 can instead introduce a rhetorical “doesn’t he also…?” reading, reversing the intended stance. In this fixed model put 这/那 before 也不; ordinary sentences can also have objects after verbs, so post-verbal 这/那 is not an error in every construction.
× 他在家里不也做这，不也管那，整天看电视。
For the stated negative meaning, 不也 has the wrong order: it can suggest an affirmative rhetorical question. Use 也不. The correction also adopts the demonstrative-topic pattern taught here; it does not ban post-verbal objects in ordinary Chinese.
Corrected example: 他在家里这也不做，那也不管，整天看电视。
他在家里这也不做，那也不管，整天看电视。
Correct replacement: Fronts 这 and 那 before 也不 and keeps the verbs 做 and 管 at the end of each clause.
Frequently asked questions
Do X and Y have to be two different words?
No. Even though the syllabus formula uses the letters X and Y, native speakers very frequently repeat the exact same verb or adjective in both positions, such as 这也不行，那也不行 or 这也不懂，那也不懂.
Can I replace 不 with 没 in this fixed phrase?
The syllabus frame uses 也不. 也没 can describe actions not completed by a reference time: 这也没做，那也没做 can still be a complaint. Changing the negator changes the time or aspect reading; it does not simply remove all critical tone.
Is there a difference in meaning between putting 这 first versus 那 first?
Either order can express the broad pattern. When 这 and 那 are specific references, check which predicate applies to which item before swapping them.
