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How to say “let alone” in Chinese with 何况 (hékuàng)

Clause A, 何况 (hékuàng) + Clause B (even more so)

Expressing "let alone" with "何况 (hékuàng)"

HSK 6Let alone

Rule structure

A, 何况 (hékuàng) + Clause. B (even more so). 何况 (hékuàng) is a rhetorical conjunction meaning "let alone, much less". It presents a more extreme or obvious case to strengthen the argument.

Examples

大人都搬不动，何况孩子呢？

Dàrén dōu bān bù dòng, hékuàng háizi ne?

Even an adult can’t move it, let alone a child.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Expressing "let alone" with "何况 (hékuàng)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: Clause A, 何况 (hékuàng) + Clause B (even more so). For example: 大人都搬不动，何况孩子呢？ — “Even an adult can’t move it, let alone a child.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

大人都搬不动，何况孩子呢？ — “Even an adult can’t move it, let alone a child.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 6.

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More HSK 6 grammar rules

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Expressing "as well as" with "以及 (yǐjí)"

Noun A + 以及 (yǐjí) + Noun B

Indicating contrast with "则 (zé)"

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Expressing "all" with "凡是 (fánshì)"

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Expressing "is or is not" with "是否 (shìfǒu)"

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Comparing "恢复 (huīfù)" and "还原 (huányuán)"

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