连…都…
even …
Structure
连 最极端的例子 都／也 …
What it means
“Even …”: names the most extreme case, so the listener infers that everything else is true too.
How it is built
连 + extreme case + 都／也 + verb: 他忙得连饭都没时间吃 (He is so busy he has no time even to eat). 连 can mark the subject too: 连街头的乞丐都会拿出一张二维码.
When to use it
Use it to stress surprise or degree: if even this, then everything else too. It is often negative: 连一个人都没来.
Watch out
Don’t drop 都／也: ✗ 他连饭没吃。 ✓ 他连饭都没吃。 The 连 phrase goes before the verb, not after it.
Examples
连街头的乞丐都会拿出一张二维码。
Even street beggars will produce a QR code.
他忙得连饭都没时间吃。
He is so busy he has no time even to eat.
Learn this in Lesson 4 · HSK 5: 移动支付 (Paying with your phone)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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