Skip to content
HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 6 min read

Four-Character Pattern 有A有B

Use 有A有B to say two things are both there, as in 有说有笑, or that a group is mixed, as in 有大有小.

Pattern

有 + A + 有 + B (A and B: two related one-syllable words)

有A有B says both are there: together in one scene, or spread across a group.

来参加活动的人有老有少。

When to use Four-Character Pattern 有A有B

有A有B puts 有 before each of two related one-syllable words to say that both A and B are present. With two actions, it paints a lively scene: 有说有笑 “chatting and laughing”. With two nouns that belong together, it means something is complete or well done: 有头有尾 “with a beginning and an end”, 有声有色 “vivid”. With two opposites, it describes a mixed group: 有大有小 “some big, some small”.

下课以后，同学们有说有笑地走出教室。

After class, the students walked out chatting and laughing.

他讲故事讲得有声有色，大家都爱听。

He tells stories so vividly that everyone loves to listen.

这里有山有水，风景特别美。

There are hills and rivers here; the scenery is beautiful.

做事要有头有尾，不能做到一半就不做了。

Finish what you start; don’t give up halfway.

Common traps

  • Use 又A又B for one thing with two qualities: 这个苹果又大又甜, not 这个苹果有大有甜. Save 有A有B for groups that vary.
  • Both halves need 有: say 有说有笑, not 有说笑.
  • With opposites, A and B are bare one-syllable words: say 有大有小, not 有很大有很小.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

他 地学习

He studies wholeheartedly
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

How we make our content