hé
How; what; why
何至于 (hé zhìyú) + such a result / 何至于 (hé zhìyú) + 这样 (zhèyàng) / 如此 (rúcǐ)
Pattern diagram
Rule structure
何至于 (hé zhìyú) is a semi-literary rhetorical construction: the speaker doubts that things really reached such a point, or treats it as an exaggeration. It usually precedes a description of a result or state and means "would it really go that far?". It differs from the neutral 不至于 (bù zhìyú) "it probably won't go that far" by being more emotional and question-like.
Rule structure
何至于 (hé zhìyú) is a semi-literary rhetorical construction: the speaker doubts that things really reached such a point, or treats it as an exaggeration. It usually precedes a description of a result or state and means "would it really go that far?". It differs from the neutral 不至于 (bù zhìyú) "it probably won't go that far" by being more emotional and question-like.
Examples
这么点小事,何至于生气?
Zhème diǎn xiǎoshì, hé zhìyú shēngqì?
Over such a small thing, would it really go so far as to get angry?
Examples
这么点小事,何至于生气?
Zhème diǎn xiǎoshì, hé zhìyú shēngqì?
Over such a small thing, would it really go so far as to get angry?
Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.
Use the structure: 何至于 (hé zhìyú) + such a result / 何至于 (hé zhìyú) + 这样 (zhèyàng) / 如此 (rúcǐ). For example: 这么点小事,何至于生气? — “Over such a small thing, would it really go so far as to get angry?”.
这么点小事,何至于生气? — “Over such a small thing, would it really go so far as to get angry?”.
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
动不动 就 — at the slightest thing, just
Subj. + 动不动 (dòngbudòng) 就 (jiù) + Verb
仅次于 — second only to
Subj. + 仅次于 (jǐn cì yú) + X
个 — casual small action
Verb + 个 (ge) + Noun
除外 — except for, excluding
Noun + 除外 (chúwài)
不亚于 — no worse than
Subject + 不亚于 (bú yà yú) + Noun
可不 — enthusiastic agreement
可不 (kě bu) / 可不是嘛 (kě bú shì ma) — a standalone confirming reply
说到哪儿去了 — polite reply to praise
说到哪儿去了 (shuō dào nǎr qù le) — a standalone polite reply
非 — neither A nor B
非 (fēi) + Noun/Adj. A + 非 (fēi) + Noun/Adj. B
Got the rule? Test yourself
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