大A大B · 一A一B
A and B in a big way · completely A / one A and one B
Structure
大 + A + 大 + B · 一 + A + 一 + B
What it means
大A大B means doing something “in a big way”, often a bit too much. 一A一B gives “completely” with two same-meaning words, or a pair with two opposites.
How it is built
大 + A + 大 + B: 大吃大喝 (eat and drink a lot). 一 + A + 一 + B: 一模一样 (exactly alike; 模 is a mould, 样 a shape); 一前一后 (one in front, one behind).
When to use it
Lively set phrases: 过年的时候，大家大吃大喝. Opposites give a pair: 一前一后, 一南一北 (one in the south, one in the north).
Watch out
Learn them as set phrases rather than making up new ones. Say 一模一样 as yī mú yī yàng.
Examples
过年的时候，大家大吃大喝。
At New Year, everyone eats and drinks a lot.
这两件衣服一模一样。
These two pieces of clothing are exactly the same.
他们一前一后走进了教室。
They walked into the classroom one behind the other.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 3: 酸甜苦辣 (Flavours)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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