Expressing "even" with "shenzhi"

甚至 (shènzhì) is similar to "even" in English and is used for emphasis. Like "even" it can be used quite directly or in a more subtle manner. When used more subtly it acts to supplement the speaker’s initial thought, creating the impression that the speaker has realized half way through his statement that he hasn’t gone far enough, and wants to take the idea one step further.

Structure 1

甚至 + [focus of emphasis]

Here 甚至 is used in a more direct manner.

Examples

• 他 骑 自行车 的 速度 甚至 比 汽车 还 快。
• 他 是 个 探险家，他 甚至 去 过 北极。
• 在 中国，不但 教育 水平 高 的 人 会 背诵 唐诗， 甚至 连 小 孩子 都 会。

Note the phrase following 甚至 often uses 连, 都 or 也 to add further emphasis.

Structure - subtle emphasis

甚至 + supplementary thought

• 前 女友 的 照片 让 他 感到 遗憾, 甚至 痛苦。
• 我 觉得 两天 内 完成 这个 任务 很 难，甚至 是 不 可能 的。

See also

• Expressing "Even" with "lian" and "dou"
• Combining Verbs with "bing"

Sources and further reading

Books

• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 228) →buy
• New Practical Chinese Reader 5 (新实用汉语课本5) (pp. 72)→buy
• Short-term Spoken Chinese: Pre-Intermediate (汉语口语速成提高篇) pp 133 NEEDS AFFILIATE LINK