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HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 6+ 6 min read

东一A，西一A and A一+Measure，B一+Measure for “Here and There”

Use 东一件西一件 for things scattered everywhere, and 你一句我一句 or 左一个右一个 for turns and repeats.

Pattern

A + 一 + measure word (+ noun)，B + 一 + measure word (+ noun)

Two paired words (东/西, 你/我, 左/右) each take 一 + the same measure word to show things scattered, shared in turns or repeated.

房间里衣服东一件西一件，乱极了。

When to use 东一A，西一A and A一+Measure，B一+Measure for “Here and There”

The general frame is A一 + measure word, B一 + measure word. A and B are a matching pair, such as 东 and 西, 你 and 我, or 左 and 右, and both halves usually use the same measure word.

他说话东一句西一句，我听不懂他想说什么。

He jumped from one thing to another when he talked, so I couldn’t follow what he meant.

书东一本西一本地放在桌子上和床上，找起来很麻烦。

Books were left here and there on the desk and the bed, so finding one was a pain.

大家你一句我一句，讨论得很热闹。

Everyone chipped in, and the discussion was really lively.

两个孩子你一口我一口，很快就把蛋糕吃完了。

The two kids took bites in turn and quickly finished the cake.

Common traps

  • Use the same measure word in both halves: 东一件西一件, not 东一件西一本.
  • 东 and 西 here mean “here and there,” not real directions.
  • Don’t drop 一: 东件西件 and 你句我句 are wrong.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

他说话东一 西一句，我听不懂他想说什么

He jumped from one thing to another when he talked, so I couldn’t follow what he meant
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