Meaning & usage
It presents two contrasting labels that people keep putting on the same thing, often while complaining or making a fuss. Form it by adding の to plain verbs or i-adjectives and joining an opposite pair with と, as in できるのできないのと or 高いの安いのと. The と is quotative, so it pairs with verbs of saying such as 言う or 文句を言う, and the two items are normally opposites rather than unrelated choices.
Example sentences 7
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できるのできないのと言い争っている。
They are quarreling over whether it can be done or not.
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高いの安いのと文句を言う。
He complains about it being expensive or cheap.
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行くの行かないのと話し合った。
We talked it over, whether to go or not.
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要るの要らないのともめている。
They are arguing over whether they need it or not.
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暑いの寒いのと不満を言う。
She complains about it being hot or cold.
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似合うの似合わないのと騒いでいる。
They are making a fuss over whether it suits her or not.
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本物なの偽物なのと争っている。
They are arguing over whether it is genuine or fake.
