何至于 (hé zhì yú) — would it really go so far as…?

何至于 (hé zhìyú) + such a result / 何至于 (hé zhìyú) + 这样 (zhèyàng) / 如此 (rúcǐ)

HSK 7–93.0

Pattern diagram

Reason,何至于Action
Reason,何至于这样如此

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?

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Words from this rule

Frequently asked questions

How do you say “would it really go so far as…?” in Chinese with 何至于?

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?”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

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?”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.

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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules