一 (yī) — paired expressions 一 (yī)A一 (yī)B

一 (yī) + A + 一 (yī) + B

HSK 43.0

Pattern diagram

一Noun一Noun

Rule structure

一 (yī)A一 (yī)B occurs in established four-syllable expressions. For example, 一心一意 (yì xīn yí yì) means “wholeheartedly.” The meaning depends on the particular expression; any two words cannot be inserted freely.

Examples

他一心一意地学习汉语。

Tā yìxīn-yíyì de xuéxí Hànyǔ.

He devotes himself wholeheartedly to learning Chinese.

两只手一上一下。

Liǎng zhī shǒu yíshàng-yíxià.

One hand is up and the other is down.

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Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “paired expressions 一A一B” in Chinese with 一?

Use the structure: 一 (yī) + A + 一 (yī) + B. For example: 他一心一意地学习汉语。 — “He devotes himself wholeheartedly to learning Chinese”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他一心一意地学习汉语。 — “He devotes himself wholeheartedly to learning Chinese”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 4.

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More HSK 3.0 Level 4 grammar rules