No Other Option: X是它，Y也是它
X是它，Y也是它
Express that regardless of the outcome, the situation remains the same — there is no other choice
X and Y represent two contrasting outcomes or situations (often good/bad, success/failure). The pattern states that regardless of which one occurs, "it" (the choice, the situation) remains the same. It conveys resigned acceptance or firm determination.
它 (tā) refers back to the situation or choice being discussed. X and Y are typically antonyms: 好/坏, 成功/失败, 贵/便宜. The pattern often appears before a concluding statement expressing resolve or acceptance.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: No Other Option: X是它，Y也是它 (X是它，Y也是它)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the X是它，Y也是它 pattern
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Understanding X是它，Y也是它
This pattern is about accepting that there is only one path forward, regardless of how things turn out. When you say 好是它，坏也是它, you are saying "whether it is good or bad, it is what it is — there is no alternative." It expresses a mix of resignation and determination that is very common in Chinese pragmatic thinking. The "它" in the pattern is a pronoun referring to whatever choice or situation was just discussed. The beauty of this expression is its finality — once you use it, you are signaling that the decision is made and cannot be changed. You will hear this from people who have committed to a difficult decision: choosing a career path, making a big purchase, or accepting a challenging situation. The pattern often pairs with a follow-up statement like 没有别的选择 (no other choice) or 我绝对不后悔 (I absolutely do not regret it).
Key Points
- X and Y should be contrasting outcomes, often antonyms: 好/坏, 成功/失败, 贵/便宜.
- 它 refers to the choice or situation previously mentioned — it is anaphoric.
- The pattern conveys "no matter the outcome, the situation is the same."
- It often appears with follow-up phrases expressing acceptance or determination.
- The tone can be resigned ("no choice") or resolute ("no regrets").
- This is a spoken, colloquial expression — not typically used in formal writing.
This expression reflects a pragmatic streak in Chinese culture — the idea that once a decision is made, you should commit fully rather than second-guess yourself. It echoes the proverb 既来之则安之 (since you are here, make the best of it).
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
好是它，坏也是它，你没有别的选择。
Good or bad, it is what it is — you have no other choice.
Resigned acceptance
成功是它，失败也是它，这个选择我绝对不后悔。
Whether I succeed or fail, I will absolutely not regret this choice.
Firm determination
等一个小时是它，等两个小时也是它，只能坐这一班车回家了。
Whether we wait one hour or two, this is the only bus home.
贵是它，便宜也是它，这个牌子的质量最好。
Expensive or cheap, this brand has the best quality.
远是它，近也是它，反正都要走过去。
Far or near, we have to walk there anyway.
难是它，容易也是它，考试必须参加。
Hard or easy, you must take the exam.
下雨是它，天晴也是它，比赛照常进行。
Rain or shine, the competition goes on as planned.
Common Mistakes
X and Y must be contrasting outcomes. Using the same word in both positions defeats the purpose of showing that either outcome leads to the same conclusion.
The 它 here refers to the situation or choice, not a person. Use 它 (it), not 他 (he). In speech they sound identical, but in writing the distinction matters.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Always pair this pattern with a follow-up conclusion: 没有别的选择, 不后悔, 只能……, etc.
Think of natural antonym pairs to fill X and Y: 好/坏, 成功/失败, 远/近, 贵/便宜, 难/容易.
The tone depends on context — it can be resigned (no choice) or determined (no regrets).
This pattern works well in storytelling to show a character making a final, irreversible decision.
Homework
Write four sentences using X是它，Y也是它 with different antonym pairs. For two sentences, express resignation (no choice). For the other two, express determination (no regrets). Each sentence must include a follow-up conclusion.