非A非B
neither A nor B
Structure
非 A 非 B
What it means
Neither A nor B: the thing fits neither of two categories. A terse four-character frame.
How it is built
非 + A + 非 + B, with A and B single syllables naming two categories: 我们非亲非故 (we are neither family nor old friends). Other sets: 非敌非友, 非驴非马.
When to use it
Written and terse. 非驴非马 (neither donkey nor horse) is critical: neither one thing nor the other. In speech say 既不是A，也不是B.
Watch out
Do not confuse it with 非A即B (either A or B: 非黑即白) or 既A又B (both A and B). A and B are single syllables: ✗非朋友非敌人 ✓非敌非友.
Examples
我们非亲非故，你为什么这么帮我？
We are neither family nor old friends; why are you helping me like this?
他俩非敌非友，见了面只是点点头。
The two are neither enemies nor friends; when they meet they just nod.
这座楼非中非西，看起来很别扭。
The building is neither Chinese nor Western, and it looks awkward.
Learn this in Lesson 224 · HSK 9+: 金庸与江湖 (Jin Yong and the world of the jianghu)
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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