不X白不X · 一X是一X
might as well (it costs nothing) · every bit counts
Structure
不 + 动词 + 白不 + 动词 · 动词 + 一 + 量词 + 是一 + 量词
What it means
不X白不X: “might as well”, since a free chance not taken is simply wasted. 一X是一X: “every bit counts”, so get as many as you can.
How it is built
不 + verb + 白不 + same verb: 公司请客，不吃白不吃 (The company’s paying, so we might as well eat). Verb + 一 + measure + 是一 + measure: 能省一块是一块 (every yuan saved counts).
When to use it
白 means “for nothing”, as in 白去; 省 here means “to save”. Both are casual: 送的毛巾，不要白不要.
Watch out
Use them in speech, not in formal writing. Repeat the same verb or measure word on both sides.
Examples
公司请客，不吃白不吃。
The company’s paying, so we might as well eat.
送的毛巾，不要白不要。
The towel is free; you might as well take it.
钱不多，能省一块是一块。
We haven’t got much money; every yuan we save counts.
时间不够了，能做一题是一题。
Time’s nearly up; every question you can do counts.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 4: 打八折 (Sales and complaints)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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