Expressing "even" with "lian" and "dou"

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"连... 都/也..." (lián... dōu/yě...) is a pattern that can be used to emphasize certain unexpected or surprising events or information. It is used the same way even is in English.

Basic Structure

连 + Noun + 也/都 + Adjective/Verb

Examples

  • 我们 都 去 爬 山, 爷爷 去。We all went climbing mountains. Even Grandpa went.
  • 她 每天 都 在 学习 数学, 星期日 在 学习。I study math every day. I even study on Sundays.
  • 她 什么 水果 都喜欢 吃, 榴莲 喜欢。She likes eating fruits . She even likes durian .
  • 他 太 穷 了, 吃饭 的 钱 没有。He's so poor. He doesn't even have enough money to eat.

Structure with "buru"

连 + Noun + 也/都不如

The important thing to remember is that the noun is being emphasized rather than the action.

Examples

  • 你 真 是 老糊涂 了, 小孩子 都不如You are truly senile. Even the kids are smarter than you.
  • 他 经常 打骂 他 的 父母, 真是 禽兽 都不如He's always hassling his parents. Even animals are nicer than him.
  • 你 不 是 电脑 高手 吗?怎么 也不如You are a computer expert? How is it that I'm better than you?

See also

Sources and further reading

Books