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Expressing "let alone" with 何况 ("he2kuang4"

何况 hékuàng

Grammar
HSK 5

Structure

Subj. + 连 ⋯⋯ 都 + Verb ，何况 ⋯⋯ 呢 ？ Subj. + 连 ⋯⋯ 都 + 不 / 没 + Verb ，何况 ⋯⋯ 呢 ？ Subj. (+ 尚且) + 都 / 就 ⋯⋯ ，（更）何况 ⋯⋯

Definition

表示进一步的情况或程度，用于递进关系，强调前一个情况已经不容易，后一个情况更不可能或更不应该。

Indicates a further situation or degree, used in progressive relation, emphasizing that the previous situation is already difficult, and the latter is even more impossible or even less should be done.

Usage

常用于否定句或反问句中，连接两个并列成分，表示‘更不用说’的意思。通常放在第二个分句的开头。

Often used in negative or rhetorical questions, connecting two parallel elements, meaning 'let alone'. Usually placed at the beginning of the second clause.

Examples

  • 1 他连自己的名字都不会写，何况写文章呢？(He can't even write his own name, let alone write an article.)
  • 2 这么简单的道理大人都未必明白，何况孩子？(Even adults may not understand such a simple truth, let alone children.)
  • 3 我连十块钱都拿不出来，何况一百块？(I can't even come up with ten yuan, let alone a hundred.)
  • 4 北方冬天零下十度都难熬，何况零下三十度？(The winter in the north is hard to bear at minus ten degrees, let alone minus thirty.)
  • 5 他平时连门都不出，何况去参加聚会？(He usually doesn't even go out, let alone attend a party.)

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