除了...以外(chúle...yǐwài)
Besides / Except For
Structure Pattern
Explanation
除了...以外 has two meanings depending on context: (1) "besides X, also..." (inclusive — with 也/还), and (2) "except for X, all..." (exclusive — with 都). The 以外 part is often omitted in casual speech.
Example Sentences
touch_appTap the Chinese text to analyze words, or tap the translation to reveal it.
Chúle Zhōngwén yǐwài, tā yě huì shuō Yīngwén.
Besides Chinese, he also speaks English.
Chúle tā yǐwài, wǒmen dōu qù le.
Except for him, we all went.
Chúle zhōumò, wǒ měitiān shàngbān.
Except for weekends, I work every day.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
除了约翰以外，也喜欢苹果。
Correct Usage
除了约翰以外，大家都喜欢苹果。
The mistake is using 也 (also) instead of 都 (all/every) when expressing 'except for X, all Y'. 也 implies an additional item, while 都 is necessary to convey the sense of 'all' or 'everyone else' in the exclusive context.
Related Grammar Points
All / Both
dōu
都 (dōu) means "all" or "both" and refers back to the subject. It must come AFTER the subject and BEFORE the verb. The subject must refer to more than one thing. When used with 也, the order is 也都.
Also / Too
yě
也 (yě) means "also" or "too." It always comes BEFORE the verb, never at the end of the sentence like English "too." When combined with 不, the order is 也不 (yě bù).
Master 除了...以外
Practice this grammar point with our interactive spaced-repetition system and AI voice tutor. Sign up for free and accelerate your Chinese learning.