甚至(shènzhì)
Even / So Much So That
Structure Pattern
Explanation
甚至 (shènzhì) means "even" or "so much so that." It introduces an extreme or unexpected example to emphasize a point. The item after 甚至 is always more extreme than what came before.
Difference from 连...都:
- 甚至 adds an extreme point to a list or argument — it escalates.
- 连...都 highlights a single surprising case and doesn't need prior context.
Example Sentences
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Tā hěn máng, shènzhì zhōumò dōu bù xiūxi.
He's very busy — he doesn't even rest on weekends.
Dàjiā dōu lái le, shènzhì lǎobǎn yě lái le.
Everyone came — even the boss came.
Tā shénme dōu chī, shènzhì chóngzi.
He eats everything, even bugs.
Zhè jiā diàn hěn shòu huānyíng, shènzhì xūyào tíqián yí gè yuè yùdìng.
This restaurant is so popular you even need to book a month in advance.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
甚至这个问题很简单。
Correct Usage
这个问题很简单，甚至小学生都会。
甚至 needs prior context to escalate from. It can't start a statement out of nowhere — there must be something being compared to.
Related Grammar Points
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