Back and Forth to No Avail: X来X去，都/就是...
X来X去，都/就是……
Describe repetitive or futile back-and-forth action that leads to the same unsatisfying result
The same verb is repeated with 来 and 去 to show an action done repeatedly in different directions or ways, followed by 都 or 就是 to reveal that the outcome remains the same despite all the effort.
The verb X is the same in both positions. Common verbs include 说, 想, 争, 找, 挑, 看, 算. This pattern emphasizes futility, exhaustion of options, or the unchanging nature of a result.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Back and Forth to No Avail: X来X去，都/就是... (X来X去，都/就是……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the X来X去，都/就是…… pattern
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Understanding X来X去，都/就是……
The X来X去 pattern is a wonderfully expressive way to describe going back and forth without getting anywhere new. When you say 想来想去, you mean you have been thinking and thinking from every angle. When you say 说来说去, you have been talking and talking without resolution. The 来去 structure creates a vivid sense of movement back and forth — like pacing in a room. The second half with 都 or 就是 delivers the punchline: despite all that back-and-forth effort, the result is still the same. This pattern is extremely common in daily conversation and adds a natural, native-speaker rhythm to your Chinese. It can express frustration, resignation, or simply the honest summary of a prolonged process.
Key Points
- The verb is repeated with 来 and 去 to show repeated action: 想来想去 (think back and forth), 说来说去 (talk back and forth).
- 都 or 就是 in the second half means "still" or "the result is always" — emphasizing the unchanged outcome.
- Common verbs: 说, 想, 争, 找, 挑, 看, 算, 选, 比.
- The pattern emphasizes that effort was spent but the result did not change.
- Can express frustration (争来争去 = argued back and forth) or thoughtful deliberation (想来想去 = thought it over and over).
- Sometimes used without the second clause when the futility is obvious from context.
Chinese communication values the idea of thorough consideration (深思熟虑). Using 想来想去 before stating a decision shows that you did not make it lightly. In meetings and discussions, 说来说去 is a common way to summarize that a long discussion has not produced results, gently pushing the group toward a decision.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
不管我们怎么争来争去，赢是没有用的。
No matter how much we argue back and forth, winning is pointless.
不管怎么说来说去，就是没有统一的意见。
No matter how much we talk back and forth, there is still no consensus.
想来想去，我还是决定留在这儿。
After thinking it over again and again, I still decided to stay here.
找来找去，都是同样的问题。
After searching high and low, it is always the same problem.
挑来挑去，就是没有满意的。
After picking and choosing endlessly, there still isn't a satisfying one.
算来算去，还是不够钱。
After calculating over and over, there still isn't enough money.
比来比去，这家的价格最便宜。
After comparing back and forth, this store has the cheapest price.
Can also express a positive conclusion after much deliberation
Common Mistakes
The verb must be the same in both positions. You cannot mix 说 and 想 — use either 说来说去 or 想来想去.
Do not add a third verb — the pattern is V来V去, then a comma, then the result clause with 都 or 就是.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
This pattern works with almost any action verb — experiment with 看来看去, 试来试去, 问来问去.
Use 想来想去 before announcing a decision to show you gave it serious thought.
The pattern adds a sense of exhaustion or thoroughness — use it when simple repetition (again and again) does not feel strong enough.
In conversation, you can pause dramatically after X来X去 before delivering the conclusion — this builds suspense.
Homework
Describe three real decision-making situations in your life using this pattern. For each, state what you did repeatedly (X来X去) and what conclusion you reached. Use different verbs for each: 想, 比, and one of your own choice.