Four-Character Pattern: A这A那
A这A那
Use the A这A那 pattern to describe someone doing A about this and that — often implying complaint, impatience, or vividness
A monosyllabic verb or adjective is repeated before 这 and 那 to create an expression meaning "doing A about this and that" or "finding fault with this and that." The same word fills both A positions. This pattern often carries a tone of complaint, impatience, or vivid description of scattered, unfocused activity.
The pattern is highly colloquial and expressive. Common combinations: 说这说那 (talking about this and that), 嫌这嫌那 (complaining about everything), 看这看那 (looking at this and that), 想这想那 (thinking about this and that). The particle 的 is often added at the end.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Four-Character Pattern: A这A那 (A这A那)
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Understanding A这A那
The A这A那 pattern is a wonderfully expressive colloquial construction. By repeating a verb before 这 (this) and 那 (that), you create a vivid image of someone doing something repeatedly and indiscriminately — looking around at everything (看这看那), complaining about everything (嫌这嫌那), talking about all sorts of things (说这说那). The pattern often carries a mildly negative or impatient connotation: when you say 他总是嫌这嫌那的, you are expressing that the person is annoyingly picky and never satisfied. However, it can also be neutral or even warm — 他总是很耐心地听她说这说那 (He always patiently listens to her talk about this and that) shows affection. The key nuance comes from context and the specific verb used. This pattern is a staple of spoken Chinese and appears frequently in everyday complaints, descriptions of children's behavior, and storytelling.
Key Points
- A这A那 means "doing A about this and that" — repeated, scattered activity.
- The same monosyllabic verb fills both A positions: 说这说那, 看这看那, 嫌这嫌那.
- Often carries a negative or impatient tone: complaining, being picky, being indecisive.
- Can also be neutral or descriptive: 看这看那 (curiously looking around).
- The particle 的 is frequently added at the end for naturalness: 嫌这嫌那的.
- This is a colloquial pattern — it appears in speech and informal writing, rarely in formal prose.
The A这A那 pattern reflects a characteristically Chinese way of expressing mild exasperation. Rather than using a single strong word for "picky" or "indecisive," Chinese speakers paint a picture of the behavior itself — the person looking here and there, complaining about this and that. This indirect, descriptive approach to criticism is very much in line with Chinese communication style, where showing rather than labeling is preferred.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他总是很耐心地听她说这说那。
He always patiently listens to her talk about this and that.
Warm, affectionate tone
他这个人真是麻烦，总是嫌这嫌那的。
This person is really troublesome — always complaining about everything.
Complaint / impatience
孩子第一次进商场，兴奋得看这看那。
It was the child's first time in a mall, and he excitedly looked at everything.
Vivid, neutral description
她总是想这想那的，晚上都睡不着。
She is always thinking about this and that — she can't fall asleep at night.
别怕这怕那的，大胆去试一试！
Stop being afraid of everything — be bold and give it a try!
奶奶每次来都要摸这摸那，看看家里有没有变化。
Every time grandma visits, she touches everything to see if anything has changed at home.
Affectionate, descriptive
你别挑这挑那了，快点儿做决定吧。
Stop being so picky — hurry up and make a decision.
Common Mistakes
The A这A那 pattern requires a monosyllabic verb. 喜欢 has two syllables and does not fit. Use a monosyllabic verb like 看, 说, 想 instead.
A这A那 is an intransitive expression — it does not take a direct object after it. Use 对 to indicate the target person.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
The verb must be monosyllabic: 说, 看, 想, 嫌, 怕, 挑, 摸, 问 all work. Two-syllable verbs do not fit.
Add 的 at the end for a more natural, conversational feel: 嫌这嫌那的.
Context determines the tone: 看这看那 can be curious (child in a store) or nosy (someone snooping around).
This pattern is great for describing habitual behavior, especially in complaints: 他总是嫌这嫌那的.
Homework
Write five sentences using A这A那 with different verbs: (1) 说这说那 about a talkative person, (2) 嫌这嫌那 about a picky eater, (3) 看这看那 about a tourist, (4) 想这想那 about an anxious person, (5) 怕这怕那 about an overly cautious friend. Include 的 at the end of at least three sentences.