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How to say “almost didn't” in Chinese with 差点没

Subj. + 差点没 (chàdiǎn méi) + Verb

Expressing "almost" using "差点没 (chàdiǎn méi)"

HSK 5Adverbs

Rule structure

差点没 (chàdiǎn méi) is used when something undesirable almost happened but was avoided. Unlike 差点 (chàdiǎn), which can be ambiguous, 差点没 (chàdiǎn méi) usually indicates a positive outcome was narrowly achieved.

Examples

我差点没赶上火车。

Wǒ chàdiǎn méi gǎnshàng huǒchē.

I almost missed the train.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Expressing "almost" using "差点没 (chàdiǎn méi)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: Subj. + 差点没 (chàdiǎn méi) + Verb. For example: 我差点没赶上火车。 — “I almost missed the train.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

我差点没赶上火车。 — “I almost missed the train.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.

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