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Expressing "let alone" with 别说 ("bie2shuo1")

别说 bié shuō

Grammar
HSK 4

Structure

别说 + A ， 连 / 就是+ B + 也 / 都 + Verb

Definition

别说是一个汉语连词，表示递进关系，常用于强调前一个情况已经很明显，后一个情况更不可能或更不应该。意思是‘不必说’、‘更何况’。

‘别说’ is a Chinese conjunction expressing a progressive relationship, often used to emphasize that if the first situation is already clear, the second is even less likely or more unreasonable. It means 'let alone' or 'not to mention'.

Usage

常用于口语和书面语中，连接两个分句。前一分句提出一个情况，后一分句用‘别说’引出另一个更极端的情况。也可以省略前一分句，直接说‘别说……，……’。

Commonly used in both spoken and written language, connecting two clauses. The first clause presents a situation, and the second clause uses '别说' to introduce a more extreme situation. The first clause can also be omitted, directly saying '别说..., ...'.

Examples

  • 1 他连自己的名字都不会写，别说写文章了。(He can't even write his own name, let alone an essay.)
  • 2 这个任务太难了，成年人都不一定能完成，别说孩子了。(This task is too difficult; even adults may not be able to complete it, let alone children.)
  • 3 这家店平时都没人光顾，别说节假日了。(This shop usually has no customers, let alone on holidays.)
  • 4 他连最基本的语法都不懂，别说写复杂的句子了。(He doesn't even understand basic grammar, let alone write complex sentences.)
  • 5 我连一顿简单的饭都不会做，别说做满汉全席了。(I can't even cook a simple meal, let alone a complete Manchu Han imperial feast.)

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