连…都(lián…dōu)
Even (Inclusive Emphasis)
Structure Pattern
Explanation
连…都/也 is the standard "even" structure — fronts an unexpected item to highlight that even THIS extreme case applies. Often paired with negation to emphasise just how thoroughly something does/doesn't happen. HSK 3.0 places this in Band 4 as a hallmark intermediate emphasis pattern.
Example Sentences
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Tā lián zǎofàn dōu méi chī.
He didn't even eat breakfast.
Zhè dào tí lián xiǎoxuéshēng dōu huì.
Even an elementary student can do this question.
Wǒ lián yī fēnzhōng dōu bù xiǎng děng.
I don't want to wait even a minute.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
他连早饭吃了。
Correct Usage
他连早饭都吃了。
连 always pairs with 都 or 也 — the second adverb is non-optional.
Master 连…都
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