连…都/也… lián… dōu / yě…

连…都/也…（lián… dōu / yě…）means “even…: highlight an extreme case to imply the rest”. 连 highlights an extreme or unexpected example, and 都/也 follows to stress it: if even this is (or isn't) so, the rest surely is. Formation: 连 + 极端例子 + 都/也 + …（常与否定连用）

even…: highlight an extreme case to imply the rest

HSK3

Formation

连 + 极端例子 + 都/也 + …（常与否定连用）

Explanation

连 highlights an extreme or unexpected example, and 都/也 follows to stress it: if even this is (or isn't) so, the rest surely is. The 连-phrase is often fronted, and 都/也 must come before the verb. It frequently pairs with a negative.

Examples

他 连 一句中文 都 不会说。
tā lián yí jù zhōngwén dōu bú huì shuō.
He can't even say one sentence of Chinese.
这么简单的题，连 孩子 都 会。
zhème jiǎndān de tí, lián háizi dōu huì.
Such an easy question — even a child can do it.

Note

都/也 is obligatory after 连. ❌他连中文会说 ✅他连中文都/也会说。 The 连-phrase can be an object moved to the front.

FAQ

连…都/也… — what does it mean and how is it used?

even…: highlight an extreme case to imply the rest. 连 highlights an extreme or unexpected example, and 都/也 follows to stress it: if even this is (or isn't) so, the rest surely is. The 连-phrase is often fronted, and 都/也 must come before the verb. It frequently pairs with a negative.

连…都/也… — how do you form it?

连 + 极端例子 + 都/也 + …（常与否定连用）

连…都/也… — any usage notes?

都/也 is obligatory after 连. ❌他连中文会说 ✅他连中文都/也会说。 The 连-phrase can be an object moved to the front.

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