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HSK 6 Fixed Four-Character Pattern: A这A那 (A zhè A nà)
A这A那 repeats a one-syllable verb to foreground different things, topics or places. It can convey fussiness or criticism, but also curiosity, care or varied activity, depending on the verb and context.
事情已经定下来了，你就别再说这说那了。
说这说那 literally means "say this, say that" and idiomatically refers to making unhelpful, nitpicking, or gossipy comments.
Read the full explanation and examples
What A这A那 Means in Chinese
In the supplied HSK Level 6 syllabus outline, A这A那 is categorized as a four-character fixed phrase pattern (四字格固定短语). Note that syllabus levels indicate where the point sits in the reference outline rather than guaranteeing what appears on any specific booked test session.
The four-character model repeats a one-syllable verb before 这 and 那. These may refer to particular targets or evoke “this and that” more broadly. The focus is range of targets, not a guarantee of careless, unselective or annoying behavior: 问这问那 can also show warm concern.
事情已经定下来了，你就别再说这说那了。
说这说那 literally means "say this, say that" and idiomatically refers to making unhelpful, nitpicking, or gossipy comments.
Because it summarizes a string of small actions without naming each target, A这A那 is characteristic of conversational and informal narrative Chinese. It frequently carries a mildly disapproving or impatient tone, portraying someone as nosy, picky, hard to please, or overly talkative.
Core Structure and Common Verbs
A occupies one syllable in this exact four-character template. It must make sense with the targets named by 这 and 那. In familiar expressions these can be things, topics or places, so do not decide solely from a dictionary label “transitive” or “intransitive.”
While the pattern is semi-productive in spoken Chinese, it clusters strongly around high-frequency everyday verbs of speaking, looking, choosing, and complaining:
- Verbs of speech and inquiry: 说 (say/criticize), 问 (ask), 讲 (talk about).
- Verbs of choosing, judging, and complaining: 挑 (pick/find fault), 嫌 (dislike/complain about), 怪 (blame), 怨 (grumble about).
- Verbs of physical handling or searching: 看 (look at), 摸 (touch/feel), 翻 (rummage through), 买 (buy).
刚见面他就问这问那，让人觉得很不自在。
问这问那 portrays a stream of miscellaneous questions, often perceived as intrusive or nosy.
食堂的菜挺丰富的，你别总是挑这挑那的。
挑这挑那 describes finding fault with one item after another. The sentence-final 的 is common in spoken admonitions.
How It Works in a Sentence
The expression can be a predicate or follow 别, 不要 or 总是. A final 的 is possible in spoken admonitions such as 别挑这挑那的. It contributes to a conversational tone, but does not by itself make criticism softer or more polite.
既然住在一起，大家就互相体谅，不要嫌这嫌那。
嫌这嫌那 uses the transitive verb 嫌 (to dislike/find fault with) to warn against constant petty complaints.
Useful Contrast: A这A那 vs. A来A去
Learners often confuse A这A那 with another common four-character verb repetition frame: A来A去. Both repeat a single-syllable verb in the first and third positions, and both can express that an action goes on for a while with little satisfying result. However, their internal grammar and focus are different.
- A这A那 foregrounds varied targets. These may be objects, questions, concerns or places: 跑这跑那 describes going here and there. A familiar whole expression is more useful than assuming that every verb has the same object-taking behavior.
- A来A去 focuses on repeated movement or process back and forth: 来 and 去 are directional complements, not objects. The action is repeated over time, often on the exact same issue (such as thinking a single problem over and over, or walking back and forth), and A can be an intransitive verb like 走 (walk) or 跑 (run).
这个问题我想来想去，还是觉得原来的方案更稳妥。
Contrast example: 想来想去 focuses on turning the same question over repeatedly in one's mind, rather than shifting across different targets.
想来想去 emphasizes the repeated thinking process. 想这想那 instead foregrounds different concerns or topics, which may still be connected. It need not imply a wandering or irrational mind; someone can thoughtfully plan for others by 想这想那.
Constraints and Common Learner Mistakes
Separate the exact four-character learning model from longer parallel expressions and from register choices. Length alone does not decide whether a longer sentence is grammatical.
- 说这说那 fits the compact four-character model. 批评这批评那 is a longer parallel expression; it can be understood in the same critical context and need not be condemned as ungrammatical merely because 批评 has two syllables.
- Register constraint: The pattern belongs to everyday conversation and informal storytelling. Avoid using it in formal reports, legal writing, or academic essays, where standard adverbs and two-syllable verbs are preferred.
大家都在忙，你别在旁边批评这批评那了。
A longer parallel expression with 批评. The next example uses the compact 说这说那 frame. Both can convey criticism here; the distinction is form and rhythm, not automatic grammaticality.
大家都在忙，你别在旁边说这说那了。
说这说那 gives the compact four-character alternative. In this admonition it means making unwanted critical remarks, rather than simply chatting about different subjects.
Frequently asked questions
Is A这A那 always negative or critical?
It very often carries an impatient or critical tone (such as telling someone not to nitpick or pry), especially with verbs like 挑, 嫌, or 说. However, in warm contexts—such as an older relative asking a returning family member about everything (问这问那) or buying lots of treats (买这买那)—it can simply describe enthusiastic, bustling care.
Can I put a noun object directly after A这A那?
No. The pronouns 这 and 那 already occupy the object positions of the repeated verb A. If you want to mention the broader topic (such as food or work), introduce it earlier in the sentence as a topic or context rather than placing it after A这A那.
Can any single-syllable verb be used in A这A那?
No. Choose a verb that works naturally in the whole expression: 说这说那, 想这想那, 忙这忙那 and 跑这跑那 are useful models. The targets can include places or activities. A label such as “motion verb” alone does not rule out 跑这跑那.
