How to say “not even” in Chinese with 连 (lián)

(lián) + Verb + (dōu) + (bù) / (méi) + Verb

Advanced uses of " (lián)"

HSK 4Sentence Patterns

Rule structure

(lián) emphasizes the extreme case. In advanced use, it can be followed by verb phrases (连看都没看 (lián kàn dōu méi kàn)) and often pairs with negation for emphasis.

Examples

他连看都没看我一眼。

Tā lián kàn dōu méi kàn wǒ yī yǎn.

He didn’t even take a look at me.

Practice

Build the sentence

Drag the characters to put them in the correct order

Characters

Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Advanced uses of "连 (lián)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 连 (lián) + Verb + 都 (dōu) + 不 (bù) / 没 (méi) + Verb. For example: 他连看都没看我一眼。 — “He didn’t even take a look at me.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他连看都没看我一眼。 — “He didn’t even take a look at me.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 4.

Tomyo

Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews

Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.

Download the app

More HSK 4 grammar rules