Not to mention... even... (别说...连...)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use '别说...连...' to emphasize that if something extreme is true, something simpler must also be true.
- Use '别说' (don't even mention) for the extreme case: {别说|biéshuō} {跑步|pǎobù}...
- Use '连' (even) for the simple case: ...{连|lián} {走路|zǒulù} {都|dōu} {不行|bùxíng}.
- Always include '都' or '也' in the second clause to complete the emphasis.
Overview
Have you ever tried to describe a situation so extreme that the "normal" part isn't even worth mentioning? Maybe you were so busy that you didn't have time for lunch, let alone a 30-minute workout. Or perhaps your bank account is so sad that you can't afford a coffee, let alone that new iPhone.
That’s exactly where 别说...连... comes in. It’s the ultimate tool for emphasis in Chinese. It lets you take two things—one expected and one surprising—and smash them together to show just how crazy a situation is.
It’s like saying, "Forget about X, even Y is true!" In the world of Chinese social media and daily banter, this pattern is everywhere. It’s punchy, it’s dramatic, and it makes you sound like a local who knows how to complain with style. Think of it as the "I can't even" of Chinese grammar, but with a lot more structural backbone.
If you're scrolling through TikTok or Xiaohongshu and see someone complaining about their cooking skills, they might say they can't even boil water, let alone cook a five-course meal. That's the vibe we're going for here. It’s not just a rule; it’s a way to add flavor to your stories.
Most textbooks make this sound like a chore, but it’s actually your ticket to being the most expressive person in the group chat. Just don't use it to tell your boss you can't even wake up on time, let alone finish the report. That might be a bit too much honesty for one Tuesday morning!
How This Grammar Works
别说...连..., you are saying that if the top rung (the easy thing) is impossible, then the bottom rung (the hard thing) is definitely out of the question. Wait, I got my ladder backwards. Let's try again!别说 Part A). Then you follow up with the "small" or "basic" thing that is actually the problem (连 Part B). Usually, this is followed by 都 or 也 to mean "even." For example, if you are a terrible gamer, you might say, "别说 黑神话：悟空 (Black Myth: Wukong), 连 超级玛丽 (Super Mario) 我 都 不 会 玩." Translation: "Not to mention Black Myth: Wukong, I can't even play Super Mario." You are highlighting your lack of skill by showing that even the simplest version of the task is too much.Formation Pattern
别说 followed by the "Big/Hard/Expected" thing. This is the part people might assume is true or possible.
连 followed by the "Small/Easy/Basic" thing. This is the "even" part that shocks the listener.
我 (I) or 他 (he).
都 or 也 before the verb. Without these, the sentence feels like it’s missing its legs. It just won’t run.
不 or 没) if you're complaining, though it can be positive too.
别说 + A + 连 + B + (主语) + 都/也 + Verb/Adj
别说 拿铁 (Latte), 连 美式 (Americano) 我 都 不 喝. (Not to mention lattes, I don't even drink Americanos.)
别说 is replaced by 不但 or 不仅 in more formal contexts, but 别说 is the king of casual conversation. It’s what you’ll hear in Netflix dramas when someone is being dramatic about their break-up or their empty fridge. If you forget the 都, it sounds like you stopped talking mid-sentence. Don't be that person. Keep the flow going! It’s also worth noting that B is often something that should be very easy. If B is harder than A, the logic falls apart and your friends will look at you like you've got two heads. Make sure your scale makes sense!
When To Use It
- Complaining about skills: "I can't even fry an egg, let alone cook for a party."
- Talking about money: "I can't even afford a bus ticket, let alone a flight to Tokyo."
- Discussing time: "I don't even have time to sleep, let alone watch Netflix."
- Social Media: Use it for captions when your life feels a bit chaotic. "别说
去健身房，连起床我都觉得累。" (Not to mention going to the gym, I even feel tired just getting out of bed.) Relatable, right? - Travel Vlogging: "Don't mention the hotel, even the airport was beautiful!"
- Work/Study: "I haven't even finished the first page, let alone the whole essay."
{biéshuō}...{lián}... has a nice bounce to it that makes you sound much more fluent than you might actually feel.Common Mistakes
- 1Forgetting
都or也: This is the #1 mistake. Beginners often say别说A连B + Verb. Nope. You need that都! Think of it as the glue that holds the two halves together. Without it, the sentence collapses. - 2Wrong Order: Remember, Part A is the "Big/Expected" thing and Part B is the "Small/Surprising" thing. If you swap them, you're saying "Not to mention I can't boil water, I can't even cook a steak." That doesn't make sense! The shock factor comes from the fact that the easy thing is also impossible.
- 3Using the wrong negative: If you're using
没, make sure it's for past actions or possession. Use不for habits or future intentions. - 4Over-complicating Part B: Keep Part B short and simple. It’s meant to be the "extreme" example. If you make it too long, the emphasis gets lost in the words.
- 5Mixing it up with
不但...而且...: While similar, they have different vibes.不但adds information, while别说emphasizes an extreme.
都. If you can remember those three things, you're already ahead of 90% of other learners. And if you do make a mistake, just laugh it off. Chinese people are generally very patient and will appreciate that you're trying to use such a "local" sounding pattern. Just don't blame me if you start over-using it and sound like a drama queen! Every sentence doesn't need to be an extreme situation, even if it feels like it on a Monday morning.Contrast With Similar Patterns
不但...而且...(Not only... but also...): This is for adding two facts of similar weight. "Not only is he handsome, but he is also smart." Both are good! It’s an additive relationship.别说...连...(Not to mention... even...): This is for emphasis and exaggeration. It usually highlights an extreme negative or a surprising positive. "Not to mention a car, he doesn't even have a bike." This isn't just adding facts; it's showing a hierarchy.连...都...(Even...): You can actually use this on its own! If you just want to say "Even a child knows that," you'd say连孩子都知道.别说just adds that extra layer of comparison to make it punchier.连...带...: This is much more advanced and refers to things happening simultaneously or including something. Stick to别说for now.
不但 as a boring addition (+) and 别说 as an exclamation mark (!). One builds a list, the other builds a story. If you're just listing your hobbies, use 不但.别说 is your best friend. It’s all about the intent of your speech. Are you being a reporter or a storyteller?Quick FAQ
Can I use this for positive things?
Yes! For example: "别说中文，连广东话他都会说。" (Not to mention Mandarin, he can even speak Cantonese!) It shows he's super talented.
Is it okay to just say 别说 and stop?
Not really. You need the second half to complete the thought. It's like saying "Not only..." and then walking away. People will be waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Can 连 be used with verbs?
Yes, but you usually turn the verb into a noun phrase or use 连 + Verb + 都 + 不/没 + Verb. For example: 连看都没看 (didn't even look).
Is this formal or informal?
It’s mostly informal and spoken. In very formal writing, you’d use 不仅 or 更不用说. But for texting and talking to friends, 别说 is perfect.
Why do I need 都 and 也?
They act as the "even" part of the sentence. Chinese logic requires this double-emphasis to make the "even" meaning clear. It’s just the way the gears of the language turn.
Can I use this in an exam?
Absolutely. It shows the grader that you understand complex sentence structures and can express nuances. Just make sure your A and B are in the right order!
What if I forget the 连?
Sometimes people skip 连 in very fast speech, but as a learner, you should keep it. It helps you stay on track and makes your meaning 100% clear. Plus, it gives you an extra second to think about the rest of the sentence. Think of it as a little speed bump for your brain to catch up with your mouth.
Structure Breakdown
| Part | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
别说
|
Dismissal
|
别说跑步
|
|
了
|
Marker
|
了
|
|
连
|
Emphasis
|
连走路
|
|
都/也
|
Inclusion
|
都
|
|
Verb/Adj
|
Action
|
不行
|
Meanings
This structure highlights a contrast where the speaker dismisses a major point to emphasize that even a minor point is not met.
Emphatic Negation
Used to express that an easier task is impossible, implying a harder task is even more impossible.
“{别说|biéshuō} {写|xiě} {书|shū} {了|le}，{连|lián} {日记|rìjì} {他|tā} {都|dōu} {不|bù} {写|xiě}。”
“{别说|biéshuō} {吃|chī} {辣|là} {了|le}，{连|lián} {胡椒粉|hújiāofěn} {她|tā} {都|dōu} {受不了|shòubùliǎo}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative (Negative context)
|
别说 A 了，连 B 都/也 [Neg Verb]
|
别说吃饭了，连水都没喝。
|
|
Adjective
|
别说 A 了，连 B 都/也 [Adj]
|
别说贵了，连便宜的都买不起。
|
|
Noun focus
|
别说 A 了，连 B 也 [Neg Verb]
|
别说苹果了，连香蕉也没有。
|
Formality Spectrum
别说正餐了，连咖啡都无法负担。 (Financial struggle)
别说吃饭了，连咖啡都买不起。 (Financial struggle)
别说吃饭了，连咖啡都喝不起。 (Financial struggle)
别说吃饭了，连咖啡都买不起，穷死了！ (Financial struggle)
The Difficulty Ladder
Extreme (Hard)
- 跑步 Running
Simple (Easy)
- 走路 Walking
Examples by Level
别说看书了，连字都不认识。
Don't mention reading, I don't even know the characters.
别说跑步了，连走路都累。
Don't mention running, even walking is tiring.
别说吃肉了，连菜都没有。
Don't mention meat, there aren't even vegetables.
别说买车了，连自行车都没有。
Don't mention buying a car, I don't even have a bike.
别说去旅游了，连周末都没时间。
Don't mention traveling, I don't even have time on the weekend.
别说做饭了，连水都不会烧。
Don't mention cooking, I can't even boil water.
别说买房了，连房租都交不起。
Don't mention buying a house, I can't even pay rent.
别说看电影了，连电视都没开。
Don't mention watching movies, I haven't even turned on the TV.
别说考上大学了，连高中毕业证都没有。
Don't mention getting into college, he doesn't even have a high school diploma.
别说解决问题了，连问题在哪都不知道。
Don't mention solving the problem, we don't even know where it is.
别说写论文了，连题目都没想好。
Don't mention writing the thesis, I haven't even thought of a topic.
别说出国了，连护照都没办。
Don't mention going abroad, I haven't even applied for a passport.
别说这项目能盈利了，连成本都收不回来。
Don't mention this project being profitable, it can't even recover costs.
别说他会道歉了，连承认错误都不肯。
Don't mention him apologizing, he won't even admit he's wrong.
别说这方案可行了，连基本的逻辑都有问题。
Don't mention this plan being feasible, it even has basic logical flaws.
别说完全掌握了，连入门都还没做到。
Don't mention mastering it, I haven't even reached the entry level.
别说重振旗鼓了，连维持现状都困难重重。
Don't mention staging a comeback, even maintaining the status quo is fraught with difficulties.
别说达成共识了，连对话的意愿都没有。
Don't mention reaching a consensus, there isn't even a willingness to dialogue.
别说推陈出新了，连模仿都做不到位。
Don't mention innovation, even the imitation is not done well.
别说彻底根除，连缓解都成了奢望。
Don't mention total eradication, even mitigation has become a luxury.
别说重构整个体系了，连修补漏洞都显得捉襟见肘。
Don't mention restructuring the entire system, even patching the holes seems inadequate.
别说领悟其精髓了，连字面意思都曲解了。
Don't mention grasping its essence, even the literal meaning has been misinterpreted.
别说实现宏伟蓝图了，连启动资金都筹措无门。
Don't mention realizing the grand blueprint, there is no way to even raise the startup capital.
别说达成终极目标，连第一阶段的门槛都未曾跨越。
Don't mention achieving the ultimate goal, the threshold of the first stage hasn't even been crossed.
Easily Confused
Both connect two clauses, but one is additive and one is dismissive.
Learners often use this alone when they need the full 别说 structure.
Both are concessive, but 即使 is 'even if'.
Common Mistakes
别说跑步，连走路不行。
别说跑步了，连走路都不行。
连跑步别说走路不行。
别说跑步了，连走路都不行。
别说跑步了，连走路没行。
别说跑步了，连走路都不行。
别说跑步了，走路不行。
别说跑步了，连走路都不行。
别说吃肉了，连菜没吃。
别说吃肉了，连菜都没吃。
别说他去，连我也去。
别说他去，连我都不去。
别说买房了，连房租不付。
别说买房了，连房租都付不起。
别说完成任务了，连开始都不做。
别说完成任务了，连开始都没做到。
别说他道歉，连承认错误都不。
别说他道歉了，连承认错误都不肯。
别说这方案好，连逻辑都错。
别说这方案好，连逻辑都有问题。
别说重振旗鼓，连维持现状都难。
别说重振旗鼓了，连维持现状都困难重重。
Sentence Patterns
别说 ___ 了，连 ___ 都没做。
别说 ___ 了，连 ___ 都买不起。
别说 ___ 了，连 ___ 都不懂。
别说 ___ 了，连 ___ 都没去过。
Real World Usage
别说减肥了，连奶茶都戒不掉。
别说见面了，连电话都没打。
别说管理经验了，连基础操作都不熟。
别说订酒店了，连机票都没买。
别说点外卖了，连厨房都懒得进。
别说深入研究了，连文献都没读完。
Use '了'
Don't forget '都'
Hierarchy
Tone
Smart Tips
Use this structure to sound more natural.
Always start with the big goal.
Use '都' for maximum impact.
Ensure the first task is harder.
Pronunciation
Intonation
The '别说' clause should have a slightly rising tone at the end, followed by a pause.
Emphatic Stress
别说 (low) ... 连 (high) ... 都 (stress)
Conveys frustration.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'No-No' sandwich: 'Don't even mention' (别说) the big thing, 'Even' (连) the small thing is a 'No' (都/也 + Neg).
Visual Association
Imagine a person trying to lift a giant boulder (extreme), failing, and then failing to lift a tiny pebble (simple).
Rhyme
别说大山太难爬，连个小坡都倒下。
Story
Xiao Wang wanted to be a chef. He said, '别说做满汉全席了 (Don't mention the imperial feast), 连炒鸡蛋我都做不好 (I can't even fry an egg).' He realized he needed to start small.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about things you can't do, using the '别说...连...' structure.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily complaints about work or cost of living.
Used similarly, often with a slightly softer tone.
They have their own dialectal equivalent, but use this in Mandarin.
Derived from the colloquial need to express extreme negation.
Conversation Starters
你最近忙吗？
你会做中国菜吗？
你觉得这个项目怎么样？
你对这个新政策有什么看法？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
别说跑步___，连走路___不行。
Find and fix the mistake:
别说买房，连房租付不起。
Which is correct?
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Don't mention traveling, I don't even have time.
Answer starts with: a...
Use: 别说, 连, 都, 看书, 睡觉
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
别说看电影了，连电视___没开。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises别说跑步___，连走路___不行。
Find and fix the mistake:
别说买房，连房租付不起。
Which is correct?
连/都/别说/跑步/走路/了/不行
Don't mention traveling, I don't even have time.
Use: 别说, 连, 都, 看书, 睡觉
Match: 别说买车了...
别说看电影了，连电视___没开。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
5 exercises别说一个星期，连一小时我都等___。
Not to mention computer games, he doesn't even have a phone.
别说 / 连 / 苹果 / 葡萄 / 都不 / 我 / 吃
Match the pairs:
Choose one:
Score: /5
FAQ (8)
No, it is strictly for negative or impossible situations.
Yes, they are interchangeable for emphasis.
It marks the dismissal of the first clause.
No, the extreme case must come first.
It's mostly used in neutral or informal speech.
The sentence loses its emphatic contrast.
Yes, if they are impossible.
Yes, in essays or informal articles.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
ni hablar de... ni siquiera...
Spanish requires specific verb conjugation.
sans parler de... même pas...
French structure is slightly more flexible.
geschweige denn
German is more formal.
～どころか～も
Japanese particle placement is at the end.
ناهيك عن
Arabic is much more formal.
别说...连...
N/A
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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