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除了...以外...

A2 preposition 15 min de lecture

除了...以外...

chule...yiwai...

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 除了...以外... en 30 secondes

Explication 除了...以外... in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners start to categorize the world around them. The structure '除了...以外' is introduced as a way to list things they like or don't like. At this stage, the focus is on simple nouns and the 'Inclusion' meaning (Besides A, I also like B). For example, a student might say, '除了苹果以外，我也喜欢香蕉' (Besides apples, I also like bananas). The concept of 'exclusion' (Except for A, everything is B) is usually introduced slightly later, but basic forms like '除了他以外，大家都来了' (Except for him, everyone came) are manageable. The key for A1 learners is to remember that '除了' comes first, and a 'helping word' like '也' (also) or '还' (also/still) must appear in the second half. Without these helping words, the sentence feels like it's missing a leg. Teachers often use physical objects or picture cards to demonstrate this: holding an apple and a banana while saying the sentence helps ground the abstract grammar in reality. A1 students should focus on mastering the 'Addition' logic first, as it is more common in basic self-introductions and daily conversations about hobbies, food, and family members. It helps them move beyond simple 'A and B' sentences and start creating more sophisticated, connected thoughts. They should also learn that '以外' is like a container—whatever is inside '除了' and '以外' is the special item being singled out.

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At the A2 level, learners are expected to use '除了...以外' with more confidence and in a wider variety of contexts. This is the stage where the distinction between 'Inclusion' (Addition) and 'Exclusion' (Subtraction) becomes critical. An A2 student should be able to correctly pair '除了' with '都' (all) for exclusion and '还/也' for inclusion. For example, '除了周六以外，我每天都工作' (Except for Saturday, I work every day) vs. '除了英语以外，我还会说一点中文' (Besides English, I can also speak a little Chinese). At this level, students also start using verbs and short phrases within the structure, not just simple nouns. For instance, '除了看书以外，我还喜欢听音乐' (Besides reading books, I also like listening to music). A2 learners should also become aware that the '以外' can sometimes be omitted in casual speech, though they should continue using it for clarity. They will encounter this structure frequently in HSK 2 and 3 materials, often in the context of travel (besides Beijing, where else?), shopping (besides this color, do you have others?), and daily routines. The challenge at A2 is ensuring the subject is placed correctly—usually after the '以外'. Mastering this structure allows A2 students to provide more detailed answers to questions, making their speech sound more natural and less like a list of isolated facts.

By the B1 level, '除了...以外' should be a natural part of the learner's toolkit, used for more abstract and complex communication. B1 students move beyond listing physical objects and start discussing situations, reasons, and feelings. They can use the structure to handle more nuanced social interactions, such as declining an invitation politely: '除了周五晚上我有事以外，其他时间都可以' (Except for Friday night when I have something to do, any other time is fine). They also begin to see more formal variations like '除了...之外' (chúle... zhī wài) in reading passages. At this level, the second clause of the sentence often becomes more complex, involving multiple adverbs or auxiliary verbs. For example, '除了努力学习以外，你还得注意身体健康' (Besides studying hard, you also must pay attention to your health). B1 learners are also expected to recognize the structure when the '以外' is missing and to understand the meaning based solely on the context and the adverbs '都' or '还'. They should be able to use the structure to compare and contrast different viewpoints in a discussion. For instance, in a debate about city life, a B1 student might say, '除了交通拥挤以外，住在城市里其实很方便' (Except for the traffic congestion, living in the city is actually very convenient). This shows an ability to acknowledge a negative aspect while focusing on the positive, a key skill for intermediate communication.

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At the B2 level, '除了...以外' is used with high precision and stylistic variety. Learners at this stage should be comfortable using the structure in formal writing and professional presentations. They can handle complex clauses within the '除了' part, such as '除了刚才提到的三个主要原因以外，我们还应该考虑市场竞争的因素' (In addition to the three main reasons just mentioned, we should also consider the factor of market competition). B2 students should also be familiar with the more literary '除...之外' (dropping the 'le') and the use of '此外' (besides this/furthermore) as a transition word between sentences or paragraphs. They can use the structure to express subtle irony or emphasis, such as '除了他自己，没人相信他的话' (Except for himself, no one believes his words). At this level, the focus shifts to the rhetorical impact of the structure—how it helps to organize an argument and guide the reader's attention. B2 learners should also be able to distinguish '除了' from similar but distinct structures like '除非' (unless) or '不但' (not only) in complex sentences. They understand that '除了' provides a framework for categorization that is essential for academic and professional discourse in Chinese. They should also be able to use '除了' in negative constructions more fluently, such as '除了你，我谁都不想见' (Except for you, I don't want to see anyone), which carries a strong emotional weight.

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At the C1 level, the learner has a near-native grasp of '除了...以外' and uses it to craft sophisticated, nuanced prose and speech. They can use the structure to handle highly abstract concepts and philosophical arguments. For example, '除了这种表面的繁荣以外，我们更应该关注社会深层的问题' (Beyond this superficial prosperity, we should pay even more attention to deep-seated social issues). C1 learners are adept at using the structure to create specific rhetorical effects, such as using it in a series of parallel structures to build momentum in a speech. They are also fully aware of the historical and etymological roots of the characters—'除' meaning to remove or dispense with, and '外' meaning outside—and how this informs the logic of the pattern. They can seamlessly switch between '以外', '之外', and omitting the post-position altogether to suit the register of the conversation or document. At this level, the learner can also use '除了' in conjunction with other advanced grammatical structures, such as '除了...以外，更重要的是...' (Besides..., what's even more important is...). They use the structure not just to list or exclude, but to prioritize information and construct a hierarchy of ideas. Their use of the structure is effortless, and they can spot even the slightest misuse of the accompanying adverbs in others' speech, understanding how such errors change the logic of the entire statement.

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At the C2 level, the use of '除了...以外' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The learner can use the structure in all its forms, including archaic or highly literary variations found in classical-style modern Chinese. They can appreciate and use the structure in creative writing, poetry, and high-level political or legal discourse. For a C2 learner, '除了...以外' is more than just a grammar point; it is a tool for precise conceptual mapping. They might use it to define the parameters of a complex legal exception or to describe a unique philosophical outlier. For example, '除了在极端特殊的情况下，法律是不允许这种行为的' (Except under extremely special circumstances, the law does not permit such behavior). They can also use the structure to express complex emotions or subtle social cues, such as using it to gently exclude someone from a group or to highlight a singular, exceptional quality in a person. The C2 learner's mastery is reflected in their ability to use the structure with perfect tone and rhythm, ensuring that the 'Logic-Adverb' pairing enhances the overall flow of their communication. They are also capable of analyzing the use of this structure in classic literature, understanding how authors have used it to shape narratives and emphasize themes of isolation or inclusion. At this level, the structure is a fully integrated part of their linguistic identity, used with total spontaneity and accuracy.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

除了...以外... en 30 secondes

Used for 'except' (pair with 都) or 'besides' (pair with 还/也).
Consists of '除了' (Mandatory) and '以外' (Optional but recommended for clarity).
The item being excluded or added to goes between '除了' and '以外'.
Essential for making lists, giving exceptions, and organizing logical thoughts in Chinese.

The grammatical structure 除了...以外... (chúle... yǐwài...) is one of the most versatile and essential patterns in the Chinese language, serving as a primary tool for both inclusion and exclusion. At its core, it functions like a linguistic boundary marker, defining what is inside or outside a specific set of items or conditions. For English speakers, it most closely maps to the concepts of 'besides,' 'in addition to,' 'except for,' and 'apart from.' Understanding this structure is crucial because it allows speakers to expand on a topic by adding more information or to narrow down a topic by creating specific exceptions. It is used in nearly every communicative context, from a child explaining which vegetables they refuse to eat to a CEO outlining company strategy with specific exclusions. The beauty of this pattern lies in its dual nature, which is determined not by the words 除了...以外 themselves, but by the adverbs that follow them in the second half of the sentence, specifically 都 (dōu), 也 (yě), or 还 (hái).

The Exclusionary Function (Except for): When followed by '都' (all), the pattern indicates that everything in a group shares a quality EXCEPT for the item mentioned within the '除了' clause. For example, 'Except for Xiao Wang, everyone went to the party.' In this case, Xiao Wang is the outlier.

The Inclusionary Function (In addition to): When followed by '还' (also/still) or '也' (also), the pattern indicates that in addition to the item mentioned, there are other items that share the same quality. For example, 'In addition to English, I also speak Chinese.' Here, the speaker is adding to their repertoire rather than creating an exception.

除了他以外，大家都来了。(Chúle tā yǐwài, dàjiā dōu lái le.) — Except for him, everyone came.

除了苹果以外，我还买了香蕉。(Chúle píngguǒ yǐwài, wǒ hái mǎile xiāngjiāo.) — Besides apples, I also bought bananas.

In social dynamics, this phrase is a polite way to manage expectations. If someone asks for your availability, saying '除了周五以外，我每天都有空' (Except for Friday, I am free every day) is much clearer than listing every single day you are free. In academic and professional Chinese, it is used to define the scope of research or a project. For instance, a report might state, '除了上述因素以外，政策变化也是关键' (In addition to the aforementioned factors, policy changes are also key). By mastering this structure, you gain the ability to categorize information logically, making your speech more organized and native-like. It reflects a fundamental aspect of Chinese logic: the importance of defining the 'group' and the 'individual' relative to that group. Whether you are excluding a problematic variable in a scientific experiment or adding a topping to your bubble tea, '除了...以外' provides the necessary framework to express these distinct logical relationships clearly.

除了工作以外，你还有什么爱好？(Chúle gōngzuò yǐwài, nǐ hái yǒu shé me àihào?) — Besides work, what other hobbies do you have?

除了这件衣服以外，其他的都很贵。(Chúle zhè jiàn yīfú yǐwài, qítā de dōu hěn guì.) — Except for this piece of clothing, everything else is very expensive.

Placement of the Subject: Note that the subject of the sentence usually comes after '以外' but before the adverbs '都', '也', or '还'. If the subject is the same for both parts of the sentence, it can occasionally be placed at the very beginning, but after '以外' is the standard A2-B1 level positioning.

除了游泳以外，我也会滑冰。(Chúle yóuyǒng yǐwài, wǒ yě huì huábīng.) — Besides swimming, I can also ice skate.

Using 除了...以外... correctly requires a firm grasp of Chinese sentence architecture. The pattern functions as a prepositional phrase that sets the stage for the main clause. The most critical aspect for a learner to internalize is the 'Logic-Adverb Pairing.' If you want to say 'except,' you MUST use '都' (all) or '没有' (none/not have) in the second part. If you want to say 'besides' or 'in addition to,' you MUST use '也' (also) or '还' (still/also). Failing to match these adverbs is the number one cause of confusion for listeners. Let's break down the structural components: the sentence starts with '除了,' followed by the specific noun, verb, or clause you are separating. Then comes '以外' (which can also be '之外' in more formal contexts), followed by a comma. The second clause then introduces the subject and the corresponding adverb.

Structure A: Exclusion (The 'Except' Rule): 除了 + [Item A] + 以外, [Subject] + 都 + [Predicate]. This translates to: 'Except for A, everything [Subject] does/is is [Predicate].' Example: 除了星期天以外，我每天都工作 (Except for Sunday, I work every day).

Structure B: Inclusion (The 'Addition' Rule): 除了 + [Item A] + 以外, [Subject] + 还/也 + [Predicate]. This translates to: 'In addition to A, [Subject] also does/is [Predicate].' Example: 除了英文以外，他还会说法语 (In addition to English, he can also speak French).

除了北京以外，我还去过上海。(Chúle Běijīng yǐwài, wǒ hái qùguò Shànghǎi.) — Besides Beijing, I have also been to Shanghai.

除了你以外，谁都不准进来。(Chúle nǐ yǐwài, shéi dōu bù zhǔn jìnlái.) — Except for you, no one is allowed to come in.

Advanced learners should note that the '以外' can be replaced by '之外' (zhī wài) for a more literary or formal tone, or simply dropped in rapid, informal conversation. However, for HSK exams and clear communication, keeping '以外' is highly recommended. Another nuance is the placement of the subject. If the subject of the first part (the one being excluded or added to) is different from the subject of the second part, the subject must appear after the '以外'. For example: '除了我以外，我爸爸也喜欢喝茶' (Besides me, my father also likes to drink tea). If the subject is the same, it can sometimes precede '除了', but this is less common: '我除了茶以外，也喜欢喝咖啡' (Besides tea, I also like to drink coffee). This flexibility allows speakers to shift the emphasis of the sentence depending on whether they are focusing on the person or the action.

除了唱歌以外，她跳舞也跳得很好。(Chúle chànggē yǐwài, tā tiàowǔ yě tiào de hěn hǎo.) — In addition to singing, she also dances very well.

除了这道菜以外，其他的菜都不辣。(Chúle zhè dào cài yǐwài, qítā de cài dōu bù là.) — Except for this dish, the other dishes are not spicy.

Complex Clauses: You can place entire verb phrases or even small sentences between '除了' and '以外'. For example: '除了没钱以外，我什么都有' (Except for having no money, I have everything). This allows for very expressive and sometimes humorous descriptions of situations.

除了有点贵以外，这辆车没有别的缺点。(Chúle yǒudiǎn guì yǐwài, zhè liàng chē méiyǒu bié de quēdiǎn.) — Except for being a bit expensive, this car has no other shortcomings.

The frequency of 除了...以外... in daily life cannot be overstated. It is a linguistic 'workhorse' that appears in almost every domain of human interaction. In a restaurant, you will hear it when customers are specifying dietary restrictions: '除了猪肉以外，我什么都吃' (Except for pork, I eat everything). In a workplace setting, it’s used for task management and scheduling: '除了周三以外，我都有空开会' (Except for Wednesday, I’m free to meet anytime). It is the primary way Chinese speakers categorize their preferences, skills, and experiences. Because Chinese culture often emphasizes harmony and the group, this structure provides a polite way to distinguish an individual or an exception without sounding overly confrontational or disruptive. It sets a frame of reference first, which is a common rhetorical strategy in Mandarin.

In Shopping and Commerce: Salespeople often use it to upsell or explain promotions: '除了打折以外，我们还送小礼物' (In addition to the discount, we also give a small gift). Customers use it to inquire about variety: '除了红色的，还有别的颜色吗？' (Besides the red one, are there other colors?).

In Education and Learning: Teachers use it to define the scope of exams: '除了第三课以外，其他的都要考' (Except for Lesson 3, everything else will be on the test). Students use it to list their subjects: '除了数学以外，我还选了艺术' (Besides math, I also chose art).

除了我以外，家里没人会做饭。(Chúle wǒ yǐwài, jiālǐ méi rén huì zuò fàn.) — Except for me, no one at home knows how to cook.

除了工资以外，公司的福利也很好。(Chúle gōngzī yǐwài, gōngsī de fúlì yě hěn hǎo.) — Besides the salary, the company's benefits are also very good.

In travel contexts, you'll hear it constantly when discussing itineraries. A tour guide might say, '除了长城以外，我们还要去故宫' (Besides the Great Wall, we are also going to the Forbidden City). In news broadcasts, it is used to summarize complex situations: '除了经济增长以外，环境问题也受到了关注' (In addition to economic growth, environmental issues have also received attention). The structure is so pervasive because it satisfies a basic cognitive need: to group similar things together while acknowledging the exceptions. Whether you are browsing a menu, negotiating a contract, or just chatting with a friend about movies, '除了...以外' will be there. It allows for a level of precision and nuance that simpler connectors like '和' (and) or '但是' (but) cannot provide on their own. By paying attention to how native speakers use this phrase, you will notice that it often acts as a bridge between a general statement and a specific detail, creating a logical flow that is easy for the listener to follow.

除了这个，你还需要别的吗？(Chúle zhège, nǐ hái xūyào bié de ma?) — Besides this, do you need anything else?

除了他以外，没人知道这个秘密。(Chúle tā yǐwài, méi rén zhīdào zhège mìmì.) — Except for him, no one knows this secret.

In Media and Literature: In movies or books, this structure is used to build suspense or emphasize a unique trait: '除了眼神以外，他看起来完全像个普通人' (Except for his eyes, he looks completely like an ordinary person).

除了努力以外，成功还需要一点运气。(Chúle nǔlì yǐwài, chénggōng hái xūyào yīdiǎn yùnqì.) — Besides hard work, success also requires a bit of luck.

Learning 除了...以外... involves navigating several potential pitfalls. The most frequent error made by non-native speakers is the 'Mismatch of Adverbs.' English speakers often think of 'besides' and 'except' as interchangeable in some contexts, but in Chinese, the choice between 都 (dōu) and 还/也 (hái/yě) is non-negotiable. If you say '除了苹果以外，我也喜欢' but mean 'Except for apples, I like everything,' the listener will be confused because '也' implies you like apples AND something else. Another common mistake is the omission of the secondary adverb entirely. In English, we can say 'Besides apples, I like oranges.' In Chinese, you cannot simply say '除了苹果以外，我喜欢橘子.' You must include '还' or '也' to link the two parts: '除了苹果以外，我还喜欢橘子.' Without that adverb, the sentence feels grammatically incomplete and 'broken' to a native ear.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Adverb: Incorrect: 除了他以外，大家去。(Chúle tā yǐwài, dàjiā qù.)
Correct: 除了他以外，大家都去。(Chúle tā yǐwài, dàjiā dōu qù.)
Explanation: The '都' is essential to signal the 'except' logic.

Mistake 2: Mixing Inclusion and Exclusion: Incorrect: 除了苹果以外，我都买香蕉。(Chúle píngguǒ yǐwài, wǒ dōu mǎi xiāngjiāo.)
Correct: 除了苹果以外，我还买香蕉。(Chúle píngguǒ yǐwài, wǒ hái mǎi xiāngjiāo.)
Explanation: '都' implies a total group. You can't 'all buy bananas' unless 'bananas' refers to a plural set of everything else. If you just mean 'also,' use '还'.

错误：除了他以外，我也没看见。(Wrong: Besides him, I also didn't see.) — This is confusing if you meant 'I saw no one except him.'

正确：除了他以外，我谁都没看见。(Right: Except for him, I saw no one.)

A third area of confusion is the placement of the subject. Beginners often struggle with whether to put the subject before or after '除了'. While '我除了...' is sometimes possible, '除了...以外，我...' is much more standard and safer for learners. Furthermore, learners often forget that '以外' can be omitted, but '除了' cannot. If you say '苹果以外，我还买了香蕉,' it sounds like you are saying 'Outside of the apple...' which is technically understandable but lacks the grammatical force of the full '除了...以外' structure. Finally, be careful with negative sentences. '除了他以外，没人来' (Except for him, no one came) is correct, but '除了他以外，人都没来' is slightly awkward; '谁都没来' (no one at all came) is much more natural. Mastering these nuances will elevate your Chinese from 'understandable' to 'sophisticated'. Focus on the 'Logic-Adverb' pairing as your primary rule, and the rest will fall into place with practice.

除了我以外，大家都不喜欢吃辣。(Chúle wǒ yǐwài, dàjiā dōu bù xǐhuān chī là.) — Except for me, everyone doesn't like eating spicy food.

除了英语以外，你还会别的语言吗？(Chúle Yīngyǔ yǐwài, nǐ hái huì bié de yǔyán ma?) — Besides English, do you know other languages?

The 'Only' Trap: Learners sometimes try to use '除了' to mean 'only.' For 'I only like apples,' you should use '我只喜欢苹果' (Wǒ zhǐ xǐhuān píngguǒ), not '除了苹果以外...'. '除了' is about the relationship between one item and a larger group.

除了他以外，没别的人选了。(Chúle tā yǐwài, méi bié de rénxuǎn le.) — Except for him, there are no other candidates.

While 除了...以外... is the most common way to express 'besides' and 'except,' the Chinese language offers several alternatives that carry different shades of formality, emphasis, and meaning. Understanding these comparisons helps you choose the right tool for the right situation. The most direct alternative is 除了...之外 (chúle... zhī wài). This is virtually identical in meaning but feels slightly more formal or written. In very casual speech, you might just hear 除了 (chúle) on its own. However, when you want to emphasize a contrast or a progression, other structures come into play. For example, if you want to say 'Not only... but also...', you would use 不但...而且... (bùdàn... érqiě...). While '除了...以外...还...' also means 'besides A, also B,' '不但...而且' places much more emphasis on the 'B' part being an escalation or an additional surprise.

Comparison: 除了 vs. 不但: '除了' is more about categorization and listing. '不但' is about emphasis and rhetorical build-up. Use '除了' for a neutral list of hobbies, use '不但' to impress someone with a list of achievements.

Comparison: 以外 vs. 之外 vs. 以上/以下: '以外' means 'outside of.' '之外' is its formal cousin. '以上' (yǐshàng) means 'above/more than' and '以下' (yǐxià) means 'below/less than.' Don't use '以外' when you mean 'more than 5 people' (use 5人以上).

不但他聪明，而且他很努力。(Not only is he smart, but he is also hardworking.) — Compare this to 'Besides being smart, he is hardworking.'

除了书本之外，实践也很重要。(Chúle shūběn zhī wài, shíjiàn yě hěn zhòngyào.) — Besides books, practice is also important. (Formal style)

Another word often confused with the 'except' function of '除了' is 除非 (chúfēi). While they share the same first character '除' (to remove/exclude), they function very differently. '除非' means 'unless' and is used to set a mandatory condition: 'Unless you come, I won't go' (除非你来，否则我不去). '除了' cannot be used in this conditional 'unless' sense. Furthermore, for the specific meaning of 'only/solely,' words like 唯独 (wéidú) or 只有 (zhǐyǒu) are used. '唯独' is a very strong 'except for' that highlights a unique exception in a more poetic or dramatic way. For example, 'Everyone failed, except for him' could be '大家都失败了，唯独他成功了.' This is much more emphatic than the neutral '除了他以外'. By learning these alternatives, you can move away from repetitive sentence patterns and start expressing yourself with the precision of a native speaker.

除非你同意，否则我不买。(Unless you agree, I won't buy it.) — Note how '除非' is different from '除了'.

除了...以外，还有...(In addition to... there is also...) — This is the most common additive structure.

Formal Alternative: 此外 (cǐwài): In formal writing, '此外' (besides this) is used at the beginning of a sentence to link to the previous paragraph or thought, similar to 'Furthermore' in English.

此外，我们还讨论了预算问题。(Besides that, we also discussed the budget issue.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'Chu' in 'Chule' is the same 'Chu' used in the Chinese word for New Year's Eve (除夕 - Chúxī), which literally means 'removing the old evening.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /tʂʰu˧˥ lə i˨˩ waɪ˥˩/

US /tʂʰu˧˥ lə i˨˩ waɪ˥˩/

The primary stress is on 'Chu' and 'Wai'. 'Le' is very light.

Rime avec

Chu rhymes with: 图 (tú), 读 (dú), 炉 (lú) Wai rhymes with: 买 (mǎi), 卖 (mài), 快 (kuài)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'Chu' like the English 'Chew' (it should be more retroflex).
Forgetting the rising tone on 'Chu'.
Confusing 'Wai' (outside) with 'Wei' (for).
Making 'Le' too long (it should be a quick neutral tone).
Confusing 'Yiwai' (besides) with 'Yiwai' (accident) which has different tones.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The characters are common and the structure is visually distinct.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the correct adverbs (都/还) to match the logic.

Expression orale 3/5

Needs practice to place the subject and adverbs in the right order.

Écoute 2/5

The 'Logic-Adverb' pairing provides a strong cue for the listener.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

都 (dōu) 也 (yě) 还 (hái) 外 (wài) 以后 (yǐhòu)

Apprends ensuite

不但...而且 (bùdàn... érqiě) 除非 (chúfēi) 只有...才 (zhǐyǒu... cái) 此外 (cǐwài) 排除 (páichú)

Avancé

除却 (chúquè) 唯独 (wéidú) 撇开 (piēkāi) 纵然 (zòngrán) 况且 (kuàngqiě)

Grammaire à connaître

Adverb Matching

Pair '都' with exclusion and '还/也' with addition.

Subject Placement

Subject usually follows '以外' but can precede '除了'.

Optional '以外'

In casual speech, '以外' can be omitted: '除了他，大家都来了'.

Formal '之外'

Replace '以外' with '之外' for academic or literary tone.

Noun/Verb Flexibility

The item between '除了' and '以外' can be a noun, verb, or clause.

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Exemples par niveau

除了苹果以外，我也喜欢香蕉。

Besides apples, I also like bananas.

Uses '也' for addition.

除了他以外，大家都来了。

Except for him, everyone came.

Uses '都' for exclusion.

除了茶以外，我还喝水。

Besides tea, I also drink water.

Uses '还' for addition.

除了星期一以外，我每天都去学校。

Except for Monday, I go to school every day.

Uses '都' to show a daily routine with one exception.

除了我以外，我姐姐也学汉语。

Besides me, my older sister also studies Chinese.

The subject 'my sister' follows '以外'.

除了这个以外，你还要什么？

Besides this, what else do you want?

A common question structure for adding items.

除了猫以外，我家还有一只狗。

In addition to a cat, my family also has a dog.

Uses '还' to add another pet.

除了他以外，谁都不知道。

Except for him, no one knows.

Uses '谁都' for 'no one'.

除了唱歌以外，她也会跳舞。

Besides singing, she can also dance.

Using verbs within the '除了' structure.

除了这件衣服以外，其他的都很贵。

Except for this piece of clothing, the others are all very expensive.

Uses '其他的' (the others) with '都'.

除了北京以外，我还去过上海和西安。

In addition to Beijing, I have also been to Shanghai and Xi'an.

Listing multiple additional items.

除了工作以外，你有什么爱好？

Besides work, what hobbies do you have?

A conversational opener.

除了你以外，我谁都不认识。

Except for you, I don't know anyone.

A common negative exclusionary structure.

除了水果以外，她什么都不吃。

Except for fruit, she doesn't eat anything.

Uses '什么都' (anything) with a negative.

除了英语以外，他还会说法语和德语。

Besides English, he can also speak French and German.

Adding multiple languages.

除了有点远以外，那个饭馆很好。

Except for being a bit far, that restaurant is very good.

Using an adjective phrase '有点远'.

除了由于天气原因以外，比赛按计划进行。

Except for weather reasons, the match will proceed as planned.

Using a 'due to' (由于) phrase inside the structure.

除了学中文以外，了解中国文化也很重要。

Besides studying Chinese, understanding Chinese culture is also important.

Linking two important concepts.

除了他以外，没有人能解决这个问题。

Except for him, no one can solve this problem.

Emphasizing unique ability.

除了工资以外，公司还提供免费午餐。

In addition to the salary, the company also provides free lunch.

Discussing job benefits.

除了没钱以外，我什么都不缺。

Except for having no money, I lack nothing.

A common idiomatic expression.

除了看电影以外，我平时也喜欢爬山。

Besides watching movies, I usually also like climbing mountains.

Discussing regular habits.

除了周五晚上以外，我随时都有空。

Except for Friday night, I am free anytime.

Specifying availability.

除了价格贵了一点以外，这件衣服挺完美的。

Except for the price being a bit expensive, this clothing is quite perfect.

Evaluating an object.

除了上述因素以外，政策的变化也是一个关键点。

In addition to the factors mentioned above, policy changes are also a key point.

Formal academic or professional style.

除了他自己，谁也不清楚当时发生了什么。

Except for himself, no one is clear about what happened then.

Dropping '以外' for a more concise, slightly formal tone.

除了学习专业知识以外，我们还要培养社交能力。

Besides studying professional knowledge, we also need to cultivate social skills.

Discussing personal development.

除了环境污染以外，人口老龄化也是一个严峻的挑战。

In addition to environmental pollution, population aging is also a serious challenge.

Discussing societal issues.

除了极少数情况以外，这种行为是不被允许的。

Except for a very few cases, this behavior is not allowed.

Defining legal or formal boundaries.

除了阅读名著以外，他还经常写诗。

In addition to reading masterpieces, he also frequently writes poetry.

Describing literary pursuits.

除了经济效益以外，企业还应承担社会责任。

Besides economic benefits, enterprises should also bear social responsibility.

Corporate social responsibility context.

除了这几处错误以外，你的文章写得非常好。

Except for these few errors, your article is written very well.

Giving constructive feedback.

除了这种表面的现象以外，我们更应该探究其背后的本质。

Beyond this superficial phenomenon, we should explore the essence behind it even more.

Using '更' to show deeper emphasis.

除了法律的约束以外，道德的自律同样不可或缺。

In addition to the constraints of law, moral self-discipline is equally indispensable.

Abstract philosophical comparison.

除了他在文学上的成就以外，他的政治见解也备受关注。

Besides his achievements in literature, his political views have also received much attention.

Discussing a multi-faceted public figure.

除了在极端特殊的情况下，该规定必须严格执行。

Except in extremely special circumstances, this regulation must be strictly enforced.

Formal administrative language.

除了物质生活的改善以外，人们对精神生活的要求也越来越高。

In addition to the improvement of material life, people's requirements for spiritual life are also getting higher.

Sociological observation.

除了极个别的异议以外，大家一致通过了这项提议。

Except for a very few objections, everyone passed this proposal unanimously.

Describing a voting process.

除了由于不可抗力导致的延误以外，我们将按时交货。

Except for delays caused by force majeure, we will deliver on time.

Legal/Contractual language ('不可抗力').

除了他那标志性的幽默感以外，他还是一个非常严谨的学者。

Besides his iconic sense of humor, he is also a very rigorous scholar.

Describing contrasting personality traits.

除却君身三重雪，天下谁人配白衣？除了他，没人能穿出这种气质。

Besides him, no one can pull off this kind of aura. (Poetic reference)

Mixing classical poetic style with the modern '除了' structure.

除了对真理的追求以外，人类的文明史也充满了对权力的博弈。

In addition to the pursuit of truth, the history of human civilization is also full of power struggles.

High-level historical analysis.

除了在极具争议的伦理范畴内，科学探索应当是不受限制的。

Except within highly controversial ethical domains, scientific exploration should be unrestricted.

Complex scientific/ethical discourse.

除了那段尘封的往事以外，他几乎向世人展示了他的一切。

Except for that dusty past, he has shown almost everything of himself to the world.

Literary/Narrative style.

除了对自然的敬畏以外，我们更应反思人类在生态系统中的定位。

In addition to awe for nature, we should reflect even more on the positioning of humans in the ecosystem.

Environmental philosophy.

除了极其罕见的基因突变以外，这种遗传病的概率非常低。

Except for extremely rare genetic mutations, the probability of this hereditary disease is very low.

Technical medical context.

除了在宏观经济剧烈波动的时期，该投资策略通常是稳健的。

Except during periods of violent macroeconomic fluctuations, this investment strategy is usually robust.

Advanced financial analysis.

除了那些虚无缥缈的幻想以外，他更渴望脚踏实地的成功。

Besides those ethereal fantasies, he craves down-to-earth success even more.

Using sophisticated vocabulary ('虚无缥缈', '脚踏实地').

Collocations courantes

除了...以外，都...

除了...以外，还...

除了...以外，也...

除了...以外，没有...

除了...以外，其他的...

除了...以外，谁都...

除了...以外，什么都...

除了...以外，哪里都...

除了...以外，更...

除了...以外，另外...

Phrases Courantes

除了你以外

— Except for you / Besides you. Often used in romantic or exclusive contexts.

除了你以外，我谁都不爱。

除了工作以外

— Besides work. Used to shift conversation to personal life.

除了工作以外，你喜欢做什么？

除了这个以外

— Besides this / Except for this. A very common filler and transition.

除了这个以外，还有别的吗？

除了没钱以外

— Except for having no money. A humorous way to describe one's life.

除了没钱以外，我生活得很好。

除了他以外，大家都...

— Except for him, everyone... Used to point out an outlier.

除了他以外，大家都同意了。

除了学习以外

— Besides studying. Used by teachers and parents to talk about balanced life.

除了学习以外，也要多运动。

除了这道菜以外

— Except for this dish. Used in restaurants to review a meal.

除了这道菜以外，其他的都很好吃。

除了天气以外

— Except for the weather. Used when discussing outdoor plans.

除了天气以外，一切都很完美。

除了工资以外

— Besides the salary. Used in job negotiations.

除了工资以外，还有奖金吗？

除了我以外

— Except for me / Besides me. Used to single oneself out.

除了我以外，没人会修电脑。

Souvent confondu avec

除了...以外... vs 除非 (chúfēi)

Means 'unless.' Used for conditions, not for listing or exceptions.

除了...以外... vs 不但 (bùdàn)

Means 'not only.' Used for rhetorical emphasis, whereas '除了' is for categorization.

除了...以外... vs 以外 (yìwài)

Different tones! 'Yǐwài' (besides) vs 'Yìwài' (accident).

Expressions idiomatiques

"除此以外"

— Apart from this; besides this. Used as a transition in formal speech.

除此以外，我们还讨论了未来的计划。

Formal

"排除万难"

— To overcome all difficulties. Uses the 'chu' character in the sense of removing obstacles.

我们要排除万难，争取胜利。

Formal

"别无他法"

— There is no other way. Related to the exclusionary logic of 'besides'.

除了报警，我们别无他法。

Neutral

"独一无二"

— Unique and unmatched. Similar to the 'except for' logic when something stands alone.

除了这件，其他的都不是独一无二的。

Neutral

"除此之外"

— In addition to that; besides that. A very common connective idiom.

除此之外，他没有别的要求。

Neutral

"更胜一筹"

— To be a notch above. Often used after listing things with '除了'.

除了美貌，她的才华更胜一筹。

Formal

"不二法门"

— The only way; the best way. Relates to the idea of having no other options except one.

除了努力，没有成功的不二法门。

Literary

"万无一失"

— No chance of error. Relates to the 'except' logic (not even one exception).

除了这个细节，我们的计划万无一失。

Neutral

"寥寥无几"

— Very few; sparse. Used to describe the items remaining after exclusion.

除了他，支持者寥寥无几。

Formal

"应有尽有"

— To have everything that one should have. Often used with 'besides'.

除了书，他这里应有尽有。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

除了...以外... vs 此外 (cǐwài)

Both mean 'besides.'

'此外' is a standalone connective used at the start of a sentence. '除了...以外' is a frame that wraps around a specific item.

此外，他还会法语。

除了...以外... vs 另外 (lìngwài)

Both mean 'in addition.'

'另外' is more about 'another one' or 'separately.' '除了' focuses on the relationship between the item and the whole group.

我另外买了一个。

除了...以外... vs 只有 (zhǐyǒu)

Both can imply a single case.

'只有' means 'only' (no other options). '除了' means 'except' (there are others, but this one is different).

只有他来了。

除了...以外... vs 包括 (bāokuò)

Opposite meanings regarding sets.

'包括' means 'including' (adding into the set). '除了...都' means 'excluding' (taking out of the set).

包括他在内，一共五人。

除了...以外... vs 除了...之外

Identical meaning.

'之外' is more formal/written. '以外' is more common in spoken Mandarin.

除了工作之外，他没有爱好。

Structures de phrases

除了 [Noun] 以外，我也 [Verb].

除了苹果以外，我也喜欢香蕉。

除了 [Noun] 以外，[Subject] 都 [Verb].

除了他以外，大家都去了。

除了 [Verb Phrase] 以外，[Subject] 还 [Verb Phrase].

除了学中文以外，我还学画画。

除了 [Clause] 以外，[Subject] 更 [Verb Phrase].

除了努力以外，更要讲究方法。

除了 [Abstract Noun] 之外，[Subject] 同样 [Adjective].

除了法律之外，道德同样重要。

除 [Noun] 之外，别无 [Noun].

除此以外，别无他法。

除了 [Noun] 以外，[Subject] 谁都 [Negative Verb].

除了你以外，我谁都不认识。

除了 [Noun] 以外，[Subject] 什么都 [Negative Verb].

除了水以外，他什么都不喝。

Famille de mots

Noms

意外 (yìwài - accident/unexpected)

外边 (wàibian - outside)

除法 (chúfǎ - division in math)

Verbes

除去 (chúqù - to remove)

排除 (páichú - to eliminate)

除掉 (chúdiào - to get rid of)

Adjectifs

额外的 (éwài de - extra/additional)

外面的 (wàimiàn de - external)

Apparenté

之外 (zhī wài)

以后 (yǐhòu)

以前 (yǐqián)

以内 (yǐnèi)

以外 (yǐwài)

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Mandarin.

Erreurs courantes

除了他以外，大家去。 → 除了他以外，大家都去。
You must include '都' to complete the 'except' logic.
除了苹果以外，我买香蕉。 → 除了苹果以外，我还买香蕉。
You must include '还' or '也' to complete the 'besides' logic.
除了他以外，我也没看见谁。 → 除了他以外，我谁都没看见。
The word order for 'no one' is '谁都 + negative verb'.
以外苹果，我也喜欢香蕉。 → 除了苹果以外，我也喜欢香蕉。
'以外' is a post-position; it must follow the noun, and '除了' must precede it.
除了下雨，我不去。 → 除非下雨，否则我不去。
You are trying to say 'unless,' which requires '除非,' not '除了'.

Astuces

The Golden Rule of Adverbs

Always pair '除了' with '都' for 'except' and '还/也' for 'besides.' This is the most important rule for this structure.

Casual vs Formal

Drop '以外' when chatting with friends to sound more native, but use it in class or at work to be precise.

Formal Writing

Use '除了...之外' in your essays to show a higher level of Chinese proficiency.

Listen for the 'Spoiler'

The adverb (都/还) is the 'spoiler' that tells you the logic of the sentence. Train your ears to catch it!

Visualize a Circle

Imagine a circle of items. '除了' is the hand either adding a new item to the pile or taking one out.

The Perfect Icebreaker

Ask '除了学习，你还喜欢做什么？' to start a conversation with any Chinese student.

Don't Confuse with 'Accident'

Remember that 'yǐwài' (besides) has different tones than 'yìwài' (accident). Context usually helps, but be careful!

Daily Lists

Practice by making a list of your daily tasks: '除了开会，我还要写报告.'

Drop the 'Le'

In very formal texts, you might see just '除...之外.' This is the same structure, just more 'bookish.'

Subject Check

Ensure your subject is placed after '以外' if it's the one performing the main action.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Chu' as 'chopping away' the item from the group, and 'Wai' as looking 'outside' at what's left.

Association visuelle

Imagine a big circle (the group) and one small dot (the item) being pulled out of it. The 'Chule' is the tweezers pulling it out.

Word Web

除了 (Besides) 以外 (Outside) 都 (All/Except) 还 (Also) 也 (Also) 其他 (Others) 之外 (Beyond) 只有 (Only)

Défi

Try to write three sentences about your morning: one thing you didn't do (exclusion), and two things you did (inclusion) using '除了'.

Origine du mot

The character '除' (chú) originally depicted a person ascending steps or a slope, later evolving to mean 'to remove' or 'to clear away' (as in clearing a path). '外' (wài) consists of '夕' (evening) and '卜' (divination), originally referring to divining outside at night, hence 'outside.'

Sens originel : Removing the current item and looking at what is outside of it.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using '除了' to exclude people in social situations, as it can sound very direct. Adding '其他的' (others) can soften the tone.

English speakers often use 'besides' and 'except' interchangeably, but in Chinese, the '都' vs '还/也' distinction is much stricter.

The song '除了你' (Besides You) is a common title in Mandopop. The phrase '除此以外' is often used by famous Chinese philosophers to transition between complex ideas. In the movie 'Hero,' the structure is used to discuss the singular goal of the emperor.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Ordering Food

除了香菜以外，什么都放。
除了这个菜，还要别的吗？
除了米饭，我们还要面。
除了辣的，我什么都吃。

Job Interview

除了英语，我还会法语。
除了工资，我更看重机会。
除了专业技能，我还有经验。
除了周末，我每天都能加班。

Travel Planning

除了北京，你还去过哪儿？
除了车票，还要买门票吗？
除了夏天，什么时候去最好？
除了这里，别的地方都贵。

School/Classroom

除了他，大家都交作业了。
除了数学，我还选了艺术。
除了今天，明天也有课吗？
除了书，还要带什么？

Socializing

除了看书，你还有什么爱好？
除了我，没人知道这件事。
除了你，我谁都不认识。
除了周五，我都有空。

Amorces de conversation

"除了学习中文，你平时还喜欢做什么？"

"除了北京和上海，你还想去中国哪里旅游？"

"除了你现在的专业，你对什么最感兴趣？"

"除了手机，你出门必带的三样东西是什么？"

"除了家人，谁是对你影响最大的人？"

Sujets d'écriture

写一写除了工作和学习，你理想的一天是怎么过的。

除了目前的语言，你还想学习哪种语言？为什么？

描述一个除了你以外，大家都知道的秘密或趣事。

除了钱以外，你认为成功还需要具备哪些条件？

写一写除了你的家乡，你最喜欢的城市及其原因。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, in casual spoken Chinese, '以外' is often omitted. For example, '除了他，大家都来了' is perfectly natural. However, in writing or for clarity, it's better to keep it.

They are very similar. '还' (hái) often implies 'still more' or 'as well,' while '也' (yě) simply means 'also.' In most inclusion cases, they are interchangeable. '除了苹果，我还买了梨' and '除了苹果，我也买了梨' both mean 'Besides apples, I also bought pears.'

No. To say 'I only like apples,' you should use '我只喜欢苹果.' '除了' is used to compare one item to a group (either adding to it or excluding from it).

The subject usually goes after '以外' but before the adverb (都/还/也). Example: '除了他以外，[我]也去.' Sometimes the subject can go at the very beginning: '[我]除了他以外，谁都不认识.'

Use '除了...以外，谁都不/什么都不'. For example, '除了他以外，谁都不喜欢吃辣' (Except for him, no one likes spicy food).

Yes, '之外' (zhī wài) is a more formal version of '以外' (yǐ wài). They are used in the exact same grammar structure.

No, it must be at the beginning of the clause that defines the exception or addition.

The sentence will sound incomplete and confusing. The adverb is what tells the listener if you are adding something or taking it away. Always remember to pair them!

Yes! '除了看电影以外，我还喜欢听音乐' (Besides watching movies, I also like listening to music) is a very common way to use it.

Yes, a big one! '除了' means 'besides/except,' while '除非' means 'unless.' They cannot be swapped.

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