X归X，Y归Y Keep Matters Separate in Chinese
X归X，Y归Y
X归X，Y归Y separates two matters that should be evaluated independently. The repeated nouns, verbs, or properties acknowledge that each belongs in its own category, often before the speaker explains why one does not determine the other. The exact contrast is supplied by context rather than by 归 alone.
Published August 15, 2026
Reviewed August 15, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
Topic X + 归 + X，Topic Y + 归 + Y
Read the structure
X归X，Y归Y separates two matters that should be evaluated independently. The repeated nouns, verbs, or properties acknowledge that each belongs in its own category, often before the speaker explains why one does not determine the other. The exact contrast is supplied by context rather than by 归 alone. Keep the model Topic X + 归 + X，Topic Y + 归 + Y visible while you compare each sentence.
工作归工作，休息归休息，不能每天都加班。
Work is work and rest is rest; we cannot work overtime every day.
Choose the right context
Separate two related matters before evaluating them. Acknowledge one fact without letting it decide another issue. Repeat each X or Y on both sides of its own 归.
意见归意见，决定归决定，大家先听完整的计划。
Opinions are one thing and the decision another; first hear the full plan.
Respect the boundary
Do not read 归 here as ordinary physical return. Do not omit the repeated element after either 归. Do not assume the formula always expresses disagreement.
工作归，休息归休息。
(Work belongs, rest belongs to rest.)
Repair the pattern
The first element is not repeated: Each 归 must be followed by the same element that appears before it. 归 is placed after the repeated pair: 归 stands between the two copies of each element rather than after both copies.
工作归工作，休息归休息。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
工作归工作，休息归休息，不能每天都加班。
Work is work and rest is rest; we cannot work overtime every day.
工作
Topic X
This part occupies the Topic X position in the model pattern.
归
归
This part occupies the 归 position in the model pattern.
工作
X，Topic Y
This part occupies the X，Topic Y position in the model pattern.
，
归
This part occupies the 归 position in the model pattern.
休息
Y
This part occupies the Y position in the model pattern.
归
Topic X
This part occupies the Topic X position in the model pattern.
休息
归
This part occupies the 归 position in the model pattern.
，
X，Topic Y
This part occupies the X，Topic Y position in the model pattern.
不能
归
This part occupies the 归 position in the model pattern.
每天
Y
This part occupies the Y position in the model pattern.
都
Topic X
This part occupies the Topic X position in the model pattern.
加班
归
This part occupies the 归 position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
工作归工作，休息归休息，不能每天都加班。
Work is work and rest is rest; we cannot work overtime every day.
意见归意见，决定归决定，大家先听完整的计划。
Opinions are one thing and the decision another; first hear the full plan.
喜欢归喜欢，合不合适还要考虑。
Liking it is one thing; whether it is suitable still needs consideration.
熟归熟，规矩归规矩，办事还是要认真。
Being familiar is one thing and rules are another; the work still needs care.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Separate two related matters before evaluating them.
- Acknowledge one fact without letting it decide another issue.
- Repeat each X or Y on both sides of its own 归.
Do not use it when
- Do not read 归 here as ordinary physical return.
- Do not omit the repeated element after either 归.
- Do not assume the formula always expresses disagreement.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
工作归，休息归休息。
工作归工作，休息归休息。
The first element is not repeated
Each 归 must be followed by the same element that appears before it.
工作工作归，休息归休息。
工作归工作，休息归休息。
归 is placed after the repeated pair
归 stands between the two copies of each element rather than after both copies.
工作归，休息归休息。
Each 归 must be followed by the same element that appears before it.
工作工作归，休息归休息。
归 stands between the two copies of each element rather than after both copies.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with X归X，Y归Y.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with X归X，Y归Y. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
X归X，Y归Y Keep Matters Separate Questions
Does 归 mean return here?
No. In this construction it separates categories or considerations. The physical-return meaning of 归 belongs to a different syntactic use.
Must X and Y be nouns?
No. Verbs and adjectives can also fill the slots, as in 喜欢归喜欢 or 熟归熟, when the discourse keeps the two considerations clear.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: Appendix A, Level 5 item 【五64】, PDF p. 232 (printed p. 226)
Lists X归X，Y归Y at Level 5 with examples separating work from rest and one consideration from another.
Official source现代汉语构式数据库
北京大学中国语言学研究中心 · Peking University · 2021
Locator: Construction detail 2477, X归X，Y归Y, lines 10-112
Defines the frame as separating X and Y so that one does not automatically imply or determine the other.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
Easy to confuse
X是X，Y是YX is X, Y is Y
Both repeat two copular-looking pairs, but 归 separates considerations rather than asserting identities.
Compare
X是XX是X for Concessive Acknowledgment
Compare separating two matters with acknowledging one predicate before adding a reservation.
Continue learning
一方面…另一方面…一方面...另一方面...: Two Aspects
Continue from compact separation to developing two aspects in a longer balanced discourse.
Compare
反正反正 for an Outcome Unchanged by Alternatives
Distinguish carefully separating considerations from dismissing alternatives as irrelevant through 反正.
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Easy to confuse
Both repeat two copular-looking pairs, but 归 separates considerations rather than asserting identities.