Definition
非此即彼 is a four-character set phrase meaning 'either this or that' — it describes a binary, black-and-white choice with no middle ground. You can use it to talk about situations where only two mutually exclusive options exist, often in arguments, decisions, or logical reasoning. It's a formal expression, common in writing and speeches.
f.e.
either this or thatone or the other (binary choice, no middle ground)
Examples
- 非此即彼，。Zhège wèntí bú shì fēi cǐ jí bǐ, hái yǒu dì sān zhǒng bànfǎ.This problem isn't either-or; there's a third way.
- 非此即彼，。Zài fēi cǐ jí bǐ de xuǎnzé zhōng, wǒmen bìxū jǐnshèn kǎolǜ.In an either-or choice, we must consider carefully.
- ，。Tā de sīwéi shì fēi cǐ jí bǐ de, méiyǒu zhōngjiān dìdài.His thinking is binary, with no middle ground.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.