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HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 5 min read

不是...就是... for “Either … Or …”

Use 不是……，就是…… to say it’s always one of two things, or to guess between two options.

Pattern

不是 + A，就是 + B

If it isn’t A, it’s B: one of the two is true, or the two keep coming back in turn.

这几天不是刮风，就是下雨。

When to use 不是...就是... for “Either … Or …”

不是 A，就是 B literally says “if it isn’t A, then it’s B.” It limits the choice to two things: the answer, or what happens, is always one of them.

我弟弟放学以后不是玩游戏，就是看电视。

After school my little brother either plays games or watches TV.

最近太忙了，每天不是开会，就是出差。

I’ve been so busy lately; every day I’m either in meetings or on business trips.

你的书不是在桌子上，就是在书包里。

Your book is either on the desk or in your schoolbag.

敲门的不是小王，就是小李。

The person knocking is either Xiao Wang or Xiao Li.

Common traps

  • 不是……，就是…… means “either … or …,” not “not A but B”; for that, use 而是.
  • Don’t use it to ask a question; use 还是 for “A or B?”.
  • Don’t use it to offer a choice; use 或者 for suggestions like “we could … or …”.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

A：他去哪儿了？ B：我也不太清楚，不是去图书馆了， 去食堂了

A: Where did he go? B: I’m not sure. Either to the library or to the cafeteria
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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