Using `别说...就连...` (biéshuō...jiùlián...) to say 'let alone'
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 别说...就连... to emphasize that if something simple is impossible, something harder is definitely impossible.
- Use 别说 (biéshuō) for the easier, smaller item.
- Use 就连 (jiùlián) for the harder, larger item.
- Ensure the verb or predicate follows the second clause to show total negation.
Overview
Ever felt so broke you can't even buy a coffee, let alone a new phone? Chinese has the perfect pattern for that exact feeling. It’s a super useful way to make a strong point.
The pattern 别说... 就连... ({biéshuō... jiùlián...}) is your go-to for saying "let alone" or "not to mention." You use it to connect two things where one is way more extreme than the other.
You state that a simpler or smaller thing isn't possible. This makes it super clear that a bigger, more difficult thing is definitely not possible. Think of it as a verbal one-two punch for emphasis.
For example, if you can't even lift a cat, you definitely can't lift a tiger. 别说 ({biéshuō}) introduces the big thing (the tiger). 就连 ({jiùlián}) introduces the small thing (the cat).
It’s a dramatic way to complain, which is always fun. You'll hear it in daily chats, see it on social media, and even in TV show dialogues. It’s less about strict grammar and more about adding flavor and emphasis to your sentences.
It’s the difference between saying “I’m busy” and “I don’t even have time to breathe, let alone go on vacation.” See? Much more dramatic.
How This Grammar Works
别说 ({biéshuō}). This is like saying, "Don't even get me started on [the big thing]." Then, you hit them with the 就连 ({jiùlián}) clause.也 ({yě}) or 都 ({dōu}) are crucial here.Formation Pattern
别说 ({biéshuō}).
就连 ({jiùlián}) or sometimes just 就是 ({jiùshì}).
都 ({dōu}) or 也 ({yě}).
别说 ({biéshuō}) + Extreme Thing (A), 就连 ({jiùlián}) + Simple Thing (B) + 都/也 ({dōu/yě}) + Verb (often negative).
汽车 | {qìchē})
自行车 | {zìxíngchē})
买不起 | {mǎibùqǐ})
别说 {汽车} ({qìchē}), 就连 {自行车} ({zìxíngchē}) 我 都 {买不起} ({wǒ dōu mǎibùqǐ}).
When To Use It
- To Strongly Negate Something: This is the most common use. You use it to say a big fat "NO" to something by showing that even a smaller version of it is impossible. Like when your friend asks if you finished your 10-page essay. You can say: "
别说{十页} ({shí yè}),就连{一页} ({yī yè})我都{没写} ({wǒ dōu méi xiě})." (Let alone 10 pages, I haven't even written one page.)
- For Complaining (Relatably): It's perfect for those moments when life is just too much. Not enough time, not enough money, too much work. For example, if you're drowning in exam prep: "
我忙得就连{吃饭} ({wǒ máng de jiùlián chīfàn})的{时间} ({de shíjiān})都{没有} ({dōu méiyǒu}),别说{睡觉} ({biéshuō shuìjiào})了({le})." (I'm so busy I don't even have time to eat, let alone sleep.)
- To Show Surprise or Disbelief: You can use it to talk about someone's surprising lack of skill or knowledge. For instance, if your tech-savvy friend can't fix a simple bug: "
别说{修} ({biéshuō xiū})电脑} ({diànnǎo})了({le}),他{手机} ({tā jiùlián shǒujī})都{不会} ({dōu bùhuì})用` ({yòng})." (Let alone fixing a computer, he can't even use a smartphone properly.) This is obviously an exaggeration, which makes it a bit of a joke.
Common Mistakes
- Mixing Up the Order: The most frequent mistake is putting the simple thing first. The structure is always BIG thing first, then SMALL thing.
- ✗ Wrong:
就连{自行车} ({zìxíngchē})都{买不起} ({dōu mǎibùqǐ}),别说{汽车} ({biéshuō qìchē}). - ✓ Correct:
别说{汽车} ({qìchē}),就连{自行车} ({zìxíngchē})我都{买不起} ({wǒ dōu mǎibùqǐ}).
- Forgetting
都({dōu}) or也({yě}): These little words are essential. They mean "even" and carry the emphasis. Leaving them out makes the sentence sound flat and incomplete, like a joke without a punchline. - ✗ Wrong:
别说{中文} ({zhōngwén}),就连{他} ({tā})的{名字} ({de míngzì})我不认识({wǒ bù rènshi}). - ✓ Correct:
别说{中文} ({zhōngwén}),就连{他} ({tā})的{名字} ({de míngzì})我都{不} {认识} ({wǒ dōu bù rènshi}). (I don't even know his name, let alone speak Chinese.)
- Using it for Equal Things: This pattern is for comparing a big thing and a small thing. If the two things are of similar difficulty or scale, it sounds weird. Don't use it to say, "I don't like apples, let alone oranges."
- ✗ Wrong:
别说{苹果} ({píngguǒ}),就连{橘子} ({júzi})我都{不} {喜欢} ({wǒ dōu bù xǐhuān}). (This sounds strange because apples and oranges are just different fruits, one isn't 'more extreme' than the other).
Contrast With Similar Patterns
别说... special? Let's compare.不但...而且...({bùdàn... érqiě...}) - Not only... but also...: This pattern connects two related things that are both true, where the second one adds more information. It doesn't have the 'extreme vs. simple' contrast.不但...而且...: {他} ({tā})不但{会} ({huì})说{英语} ({shuō yīngyǔ}),而且{会} ({érqiě huì})说{法语} ({shuō fǎyǔ}). (He not only speaks English but also speaks French.) - Both are positive skills.别说...就连...:别说{法语} ({fǎyǔ}),他就连{英语} ({tā jiùlián yīngyǔ})都{不会} ({dōu bùhuì})说({shuō}). (Let alone French, he can't even speak English.) - Used to emphasize he can't speak either, starting with the 'harder' one.
连...都/也...({lián... dōu/yě...}) - Even...: This is just one part of our bigger pattern. It's used on its own to emphasize something surprising or unexpected, without the direct comparison to a more extreme thing.连...都...:他连{自己} ({tā lián zìjǐ})的{名字} ({de míngzì})都{忘了} ({dōu wàngle}). (He even forgot his own name.)别说...就连...:别说{我} ({wǒ})的{名字} ({de míngzì}),他就连{自己} ({tā jiùlián zìjǐ})的{名字} ({de míngzì})都{忘了} ({dōu wàngle}). (Let alone my name, he even forgot his own name.) The别说part adds another layer of contrast.
Quick FAQ
Can I use 就是 ({jiùshì}) instead of 就连 ({jiùlián})?
Absolutely! 别说...就是... ({biéshuō... jiùshì...}) is very common and means the exact same thing. Feel free to use them interchangeably. It's like choosing between "don't even mention" and "let alone" in English.
Is this pattern formal or informal?
It leans informal. You'll use it all the time when chatting with friends or posting online. In very formal writing, you might see a fancier version like 且不说... ({qiěbùshuō...}), but for daily life, 别说... is king.
Does the verb always have to be negative?
Almost always. The entire point is usually to say something can't be done or isn't true. Using it with a positive verb is extremely rare and would sound very strange in 99.9% of situations. Best to stick to the negatives.
Structure Breakdown
| Part 1 | Easy Item | Part 2 | Hard Item | Emphasis | Negative Verb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
别说
|
看书
|
就连
|
写字
|
也/都
|
不会
|
|
别说
|
吃饭
|
就连
|
喝水
|
也/都
|
没时间
|
|
别说
|
跑步
|
就连
|
走路
|
也/都
|
觉得累
|
|
别说
|
买车
|
就连
|
买书
|
也/都
|
没钱
|
|
别说
|
去北京
|
就连
|
去上海
|
也/都
|
没去过
|
|
别说
|
做饭
|
就连
|
洗碗
|
也/都
|
不想做
|
Meanings
This structure highlights a progression of difficulty. It asserts that if a minor task or object is not achieved or known, a major one is even less likely.
Emphatic Negation
Used to stress that even the most basic requirement is not met.
“{别说|biéshuō} {吃饭|chīfàn}，{就连|jiùlián} {喝水|hēshuǐ} {我|wǒ} {都|dōu} {没|méi} {时间|shíjiān}。”
“{别说|biéshuō} {跑步|pǎobù}，{就连|jiùlián} {走路|zǒulù} {他|tā} {也|yě} {觉得|juéde} {累|lèi}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Negative
|
别说 + A + 就连 + B + 也/都 + 不/没 + V
|
别说看书，就连写字我也不会。
|
|
Question
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
Short Answer
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Formality Spectrum
别说完成工作，就连休息的时间也没有。 (Workplace stress)
别说工作，就连休息的时间我都没有。 (Workplace stress)
别说工作了，连休息的时间都没。 (Workplace stress)
别说干活，连喘气的时间都没。 (Workplace stress)
Difficulty Ladder
Level 1 (Easy)
- 看书 Reading
Level 2 (Hard)
- 写字 Writing
Examples by Level
{别说|biéshuō} {咖啡|kāfēi}，{就连|jiùlián} {水|shuǐ} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {没|méi} {喝|hē}。
Let alone coffee, I didn't even drink water.
{别说|biéshuō} {看书|kànshū}，{就连|jiùlián} {写字|xiězì} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {不|bù} {会|huì}。
Let alone reading, I don't even know how to write.
{别说|biéshuō} {跑步|pǎobù}，{就连|jiùlián} {走路|zǒulù} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {累|lèi}。
Let alone running, I'm tired even from walking.
{别说|biéshuō} {买|mǎi} {车|chē}，{就连|jiùlián} {买|mǎi} {书|shū} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {没|méi} {钱|qián}。
Let alone buying a car, I don't even have money for books.
{别说|biéshuō} {去|qù} {中国|zhōngguó}，{就连|jiùlián} {去|qù} {超市|chāoshì} {我|wǒ} {都|dōu} {没|méi} {时间|shíjiān}。
Let alone going to China, I don't even have time to go to the supermarket.
{别说|biéshuō} {他|tā} {不|bù} {来|lái}，{就连|jiùlián} {他|tā} {的|de} {朋友|péngyǒu} {也|yě} {没|méi} {来|lái}。
Let alone him not coming, even his friends didn't come.
{别说|biéshuō} {做|zuò} {饭|fàn}，{就连|jiùlián} {洗碗|xǐwǎn} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {不|bù} {想|xiǎng} {做|zuò}。
Let alone cooking, I don't even want to wash dishes.
{别说|biéshuō} {看|kàn} {电影|diànyǐng}，{就连|jiùlián} {听|tīng} {音乐|yīnyuè} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {没|méi} {心情|xīnqíng}。
Let alone watching movies, I'm not even in the mood to listen to music.
{别说|biéshuō} {这|zhè} {个|gè} {项目|xiàngmù}，{就连|jiùlián} {简单|jiǎndān} {的|de} {任务|rènwù} {我们|wǒmen} {也|yě} {没|méi} {完成|wánchéng}。
Let alone this project, we didn't even finish the simple tasks.
{别说|biéshuō} {升职|shēngzhí}，{就连|jiùlián} {加薪|jiāxīn} {老板|lǎobǎn} {也|yě} {不|bù} {同意|tóngyì}。
Let alone a promotion, the boss didn't even agree to a raise.
{别说|biéshuō} {这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {困难|kùnnán}，{就连|jiùlián} {小|xiǎo} {问题|wèntí} {他|tā} {也|yě} {解决|jiějué} {不了|bùliǎo}。
Let alone this kind of difficulty, he can't even solve small problems.
{别说|biéshuō} {去|qù} {旅游|lǚyóu}，{就连|jiùlián} {周末|zhōumò} {休息|xiūxi} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {做|zuò} {不到|bùdào}。
Let alone traveling, I can't even get a rest on the weekend.
{别说|biéshuō} {他|tā} {的|de} {建议|jiànyì}，{就连|jiùlián} {他|tā} {本人|běnrén} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {不|bù} {想|xiǎng} {见|jiàn}。
Let alone his suggestion, I don't even want to see him personally.
{别说|biéshuō} {这|zhè} {一|yī} {点|diǎn} {钱|qián}，{就连|jiùlián} {全部|quánbù} {的|de} {积蓄|jīxù} {也|yě} {不够|bùgòu} {付|fù} {房租|fángzū}。
Let alone this amount of money, even all my savings aren't enough to pay the rent.
{别说|biéshuō} {理解|lǐjiě} {这|zhè} {篇|piān} {文章|wénzhāng}，{就连|jiùlián} {生词|shēngcí} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {认|rèn} {不|bù} {全|quán}。
Let alone understanding this article, I don't even recognize all the new words.
{别说|biéshuō} {解决|jiějué} {问题|wèntí}，{就连|jiùlián} {发现|fāxiàn} {问题|wèntí} {他|tā} {也|yě} {做|zuò} {不到|bùdào}。
Let alone solving the problem, he can't even identify it.
{别说|biéshuō} {在|zài} {这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {生活|shēnghuó}，{就连|jiùlián} {短期|duǎnqī} {停留|tíngliú} {我|wǒ} {也|yě} {无法|wúfǎ} {适应|shìyìng}。
Let alone living here, I cannot even adapt to a short stay.
{别说|biéshuō} {这|zhè} {个|gè} {方案|fāng'àn} {的|de} {细节|xìjié}，{就连|jiùlián} {核心|héxīn} {理念|lǐniàn} {大家|dàjiā} {也|yě} {不|bù} {认同|rèntóng}。
Let alone the details of this plan, everyone doesn't even agree with the core concept.
{别说|biéshuō} {改变|gǎibiàn} {世界|shìjiè}，{就连|jiùlián} {改变|gǎibiàn} {自己|zìjǐ} {的|de} {习惯|xíguàn} {也|yě} {非常|fēicháng} {困难|kùnnán}。
Let alone changing the world, even changing one's own habits is very difficult.
{别说|biéshuō} {获得|huòdé} {成功|chénggōng}，{就连|jiùlián} {最|zuì} {基本|jīběn} {的|de} {生存|shēngcún} {也|yě} {成|chéng} {了|le} {问题|wèntí}。
Let alone achieving success, even basic survival has become a problem.
{别说|biéshuō} {这|zhè} {部|bù} {经典|jīngdiǎn} {文学|wénxué} {作品|zuòpǐn}，{就连|jiùlián} {普通|pǔtōng} {的|de} {报纸|bàozhǐ} {他|tā} {也|yě} {读|dú} {不|bù} {懂|dǒng}。
Let alone this classic literary work, he doesn't even understand a regular newspaper.
{别说|biéshuō} {进行|jìnxíng} {深奥|shēn'ào} {的|de} {学术|xuéshù} {探讨|tàntǎo}，{就连|jiùlián} {日常|rìcháng} {交流|jiāoliú} {他|tā} {也|yě} {显得|xiǎnde} {吃力|chīlì}。
Let alone engaging in profound academic discussion, he even finds daily communication difficult.
{别说|biéshuō} {这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {复杂|fùzá} {的|de} {社会|shèhuì} {现象|xiànxiàng}，{就连|jiùlián} {最|zuì} {简单|jiǎndān} {的|de} {因果|yīnguǒ} {关系|guānxì} {也|yě} {被|bèi} {忽视|hūshì} {了|le}。
Let alone this complex social phenomenon, even the simplest causal relationship has been ignored.
{别说|biéshuō} {实现|shíxiàn} {宏大|hóngdà} {的|de} {目标|mùbiǎo}，{就连|jiùlián} {维持|wéichí} {现状|xiànzhuàng} {也|yě} {需要|xūyào} {巨大|jùdà} {的|de} {努力|nǔlì}。
Let alone achieving grand goals, even maintaining the status quo requires huge effort.
Easily Confused
Learners often mix up the positive and negative structures.
Learners think they are the same.
Both involve 'even'.
Common Mistakes
别说写字，就连看书也不会。
别说看书，就连写字也不会。
别说看书，就连写字不。
别说看书，就连写字也不会。
别说看书，就连写字都看书。
别说看书，就连写字也不会。
别说看书，写字也不会。
别说看书，就连写字也不会。
别说吃饭，就连喝水也想喝。
别说吃饭，就连喝水也没时间。
别说吃饭，就连喝水不。
别说吃饭，就连喝水也没时间。
别说吃饭，就连喝水没。
别说吃饭，就连喝水也没时间。
别说他，就连我也没去。
别说他，就连我也没去。
别说项目，就连任务也没完成。
别说任务，就连项目也没完成。
别说项目，就连任务都完成。
别说项目，就连任务也没完成。
别说改变世界，就连改变自己都容易。
别说改变世界，就连改变自己都很难。
别说他，就连我也做得到。
别说他，就连我也做不到。
别说他，就连我也没做。
别说他，就连我也没做。
Sentence Patterns
别说___，就连___也/都___。
别说___，就连___也/都___。
别说___，就连___也/都___。
别说___，就连___也/都___。
Real World Usage
别说完成任务，就连开会的时间都没有。
别说出门，连床都不想下。
别说管理团队，就连基础工作我也能胜任。
别说去国外，就连国内我都没去过几个地方。
别说做饭，就连点外卖我都懒得点。
别说减肥，就连少吃一口都做不到。
Focus on the order
Don't forget the negative
Use '都' or '也'
Use it for complaints
Smart Tips
Use this structure to show that even the smallest task is impossible.
Use this to show that even small purchases are out of reach.
Use this to show that even basic concepts are unknown.
Use this to show that even small steps haven't been taken.
Pronunciation
Tone of '别'
The 'bié' should be spoken with a falling tone to emphasize the command/negation.
Emphasis
别说 [A] ↑，就连 [B] ↓ 也/都 [C] ↓
The pitch rises on the first item and drops on the final negative verb.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'No-No' ladder: If you can't climb the first step (别说), you definitely can't reach the top (就连).
Visual Association
Imagine a person trying to jump over a small puddle (easy) and failing, then looking at a giant river (hard) and shaking their head.
Rhyme
别说小事做不了，就连大事也难搞。
Story
Xiao Wang is so tired. He says, '别说 (Let alone) running a marathon, 就连 (even) walking to the store, 我也 (I also) 走不动 (cannot walk).' He is exhausted!
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about things you are too busy to do today using the '别说...就连...' structure.
Cultural Notes
Commonly used in workplace complaints to express being overworked.
Similar usage, often used in casual conversation among friends.
Often mixed with English particles, but the structure remains the same.
The structure evolved from classical Chinese concessive patterns.
Conversation Starters
你今天忙吗？
你学中文多久了？
你最近有去旅游吗？
你觉得现在的房价怎么样？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
别说看书，____写字我也不会。
Find and fix the mistake:
别说写字，就连看书也不会。
Which sentence is correct?
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Let alone running, I can't even walk.
Answer starts with: a...
A: 你忙吗？ B: ____
买车/买书/没钱
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises别说看书，____写字我也不会。
Find and fix the mistake:
别说写字，就连看书也不会。
Which sentence is correct?
就连/别说/我/写字/看书/也不会
Let alone running, I can't even walk.
A: 你忙吗？ B: ____
买车/买书/没钱
Match: 1. 吃饭 2. 跑步 3. 升职
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercises他太懒了，别说做饭，___ 方便面都不想泡。
我 / 没时间 / 别说 / 玩游戏 / 就连 / 吃饭 / 都
Let alone running, I don't even have the energy to walk.
Select the wrong sentence.
别说一百块，我就连一块钱有。
Create logical pairs for the `别说 A, 就连 B` pattern.
这个字太难了，别说写，我___ 怎么读都不知道。
Translate the sentence.
都 / 贵 / 我 / 的 / 别说 / 就连 / 便宜 / 的 / 买不起
A: 你考得怎么样？ (How did you do on the test?) B: ______
别说英语，就连汉语也他说得不好。
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No, this structure is specifically for negative outcomes to emphasize impossibility.
Yes, the easier item must come first to create the logical progression.
It is neutral and can be used in both casual and semi-formal contexts.
The sentence will sound incomplete and less natural.
Yes, it works for both.
Yes, very common.
One is for negative emphasis, the other for positive addition.
Yes, but be careful to frame it as a challenge you are overcoming.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
ni siquiera
Spanish does not require a two-part structure as strictly as Chinese.
sans parler de
Chinese is more focused on the negative outcome.
geschweige denn
German is a post-positional phrase, while Chinese is a correlative conjunction.
〜どころか
Japanese structure is often used for irony, while Chinese is more direct.
ناهيك عن
Arabic is more formal than the Chinese structure.
别说...就连...
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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Overview The Chinese conjunction pair `虽然...但是` (`suīrán...dànshì`) is a fundamental structure for expressing contra...
Casual 'If' in Chinese: Using 要是 (yàoshi)
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As Soon As... Then... (一...就...)
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