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How to say “not even one” in Chinese with 一 (yī)

一 (yī) + MW + 也 (yě)/都 (dōu) + 没 (méi)/不 (bù) + Verb

Expressing "not even one"

HSK 3Sentence Patterns

Rule structure

一 (yī) + Measure Word + 也 (yě)/都 (dōu) + 没 (méi)/不 (bù) is a strong negation pattern meaning "not a single one," emphasizing the total absence.

Examples

我一个人都不认识。

Wǒ yī gè rén dōu bù rènshi.

I don't know a single person.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Expressing "not even one"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 一 (yī) + MW + 也 (yě)/都 (dōu) + 没 (méi)/不 (bù) + Verb. For example: 我一个人都不认识。 — “I don't know a single person.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

我一个人都不认识。 — “I don't know a single person.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.

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