不A不B
not too A and not too B: just right (A and B are opposites)
Structure
不 + A + 不 + B
What it means
“Not too A, not too B”: just right. A and B are opposite one-character adjectives.
How it is built
不 + A + 不 + B, often followed by 正好 or 正合适: 这件衣服不大不小，正合适 (This top is neither too big nor too small: it fits perfectly). Pairs: 大／小, 冷／热, 远／近, 多／少, 早／晚, 快／慢.
When to use it
Use it in everyday speech to say the amount, size or timing is just right: 今天不冷不热，出去走走吧 (It’s neither cold nor hot today).
Watch out
Use real opposites only: ✗ 不大不好. And 不好不坏 means “so-so”, not praise.
Examples
这件衣服不大不小，正合适。
This top is neither too big nor too small: it fits perfectly.
我们的座位离舞台不远不近。
Our seats are neither too far from the stage nor too close.
今天不冷不热，出去走走吧。
It’s neither cold nor hot today. Let’s go out for a walk.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 24: 演唱会 (The concert)
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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