In 15 Seconds
- Use it to exclude one item from a group using 'dou'.
- Use it to add more items to a list using 'hai'.
- It acts like a bracket around the word you are highlighting.
Meaning
This phrase is like a magic frame. It lets you point at one thing to either exclude it from a group or add it to a list of other things.
Key Examples
3 of 6Ordering food with a picky friend
除了香菜以外，我什么都吃。
Except for cilantro, I eat everything.
Discussing language skills
除了中文以外，我还会说英语和法语。
Besides Chinese, I can also speak English and French.
A boss checking attendance
除了小王以外，大家都到了吗？
Besides Xiao Wang, is everyone here?
Cultural Background
This expression highlights the Chinese linguistic focus on 'frames' and 'boundaries.' Historically, it reflects a logical way to categorize items in a list, which is a hallmark of formal administrative and scholarly writing that eventually filtered into everyday speech.
The 'Dou' vs 'Hai' Rule
If you use `都`, you are subtracting. If you use `还` or `也`, you are adding. Remembering this will save you from many awkward misunderstandings!
Don't forget the sandwich
New speakers often forget the `以外` part. While it's okay to skip it in slang, keeping it makes your Chinese sound much more balanced and rhythmic.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to exclude one item from a group using 'dou'.
- Use it to add more items to a list using 'hai'.
- It acts like a bracket around the word you are highlighting.
What It Means
Think of 除了...以外 as a way to set boundaries. It literally means 'outside of this thing.' Depending on the word that follows it, you are either kicking something out of the group or adding it to a pile. It is the ultimate tool for organizing your thoughts and preferences.
How To Use It
The structure is like a sandwich. You put the person or thing you are talking about in the middle of 除了 and 以外. If you want to say 'except,' follow up with 都. If you want to say 'in addition to,' follow up with 还 or 也. It is like a logic puzzle where the second half of the sentence changes the whole meaning.
When To Use It
Use it when you are being specific. Use it at a restaurant when you are allergic to peanuts but love everything else. Use it when listing your hobbies to a new friend. It is perfect for meetings when you need to say everyone is present except for one person. It makes you sound organized and clear.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple 'and' lists. If you just want to say 'apples and bananas,' this is too heavy. It is also a bit wordy for very fast, panicked situations. If a bus is coming, do not say 'Except for the bus, everything is fine.' Just run! Also, avoid using it if you are not sure whether you are excluding or adding, or you will confuse your listener.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values harmony but also precise categorization. This phrase reflects a need to define the 'inner circle' versus the 'outer circle.' It is very common in social etiquette. For example, when inviting people, you might use this to show you have thought of everyone. It shows you are paying attention to details, which is highly respected in Chinese social circles.
Common Variations
You can actually drop the 以外 to be more casual. Just saying 除了... works fine in daily speech. Sometimes people replace 以外 with 之外. It sounds a bit more poetic or formal. If you are texting, you will almost always see the shortened version. It is the 'lazy' way that still sounds perfectly natural.
Usage Notes
This is a highly versatile A2-level structure. The most important thing to master is the 'trigger' word in the second clause (dou vs. hai) to ensure your meaning is clear.
The 'Dou' vs 'Hai' Rule
If you use `都`, you are subtracting. If you use `还` or `也`, you are adding. Remembering this will save you from many awkward misunderstandings!
Don't forget the sandwich
New speakers often forget the `以外` part. While it's okay to skip it in slang, keeping it makes your Chinese sound much more balanced and rhythmic.
The Romantic Exclusion
In Chinese dramas, characters often use this phrase to say 'You are the only one.' It's a very high-impact way to show loyalty.
Examples
6除了香菜以外，我什么都吃。
Except for cilantro, I eat everything.
Here, 'dou' is used to exclude cilantro from the list of things eaten.
除了中文以外，我还会说英语和法语。
Besides Chinese, I can also speak English and French.
Using 'hai' turns this into an additive list.
除了小王以外，大家都到了吗？
Besides Xiao Wang, is everyone here?
A formal way to check if someone is missing.
除了你以外，还有谁去？
Besides you, who else is going?
Commonly used in texts to see who the other guests are.
除了热以外，这里没别的问题。
Except for the heat, there are no other problems here.
A slightly humorous way to complain about one specific thing.
除了你以外，我心里没有别人。
Except for you, there is no one else in my heart.
A classic romantic line found in many Mandopop songs.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to mean 'besides/also'.
除了苹果以外，我 ___ 买了一些香蕉。
Because you are adding bananas to the list, 'hai' (also) is the correct choice.
Choose the correct particle to mean 'except/all'.
除了他以外，我们 ___ 去过中国。
To say 'everyone except him,' you need 'dou' to indicate the whole group.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Chu le... yi wai'
Dropping 'yi wai' entirely.
除了他，大家都来了。
The standard full phrase.
除了他以外，大家都来了。
Using 'zhi wai' instead of 'yi wai'.
除此之外，别无他法。
Where to use the 'Besides' Sandwich
Dietary restrictions
Except beef...
Skill listing
Besides coding...
Attendance
Except Sarah...
Travel plans
Besides Beijing...
Practice Bank
2 exercises除了苹果以外，我 ___ 买了一些香蕉。
Because you are adding bananas to the list, 'hai' (also) is the correct choice.
除了他以外，我们 ___ 去过中国。
To say 'everyone except him,' you need 'dou' to indicate the whole group.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means 'except' or 'besides.' It is used to set one thing apart from a group.
Look at the second half of the sentence. If you see 都 (all), it means 'except.' If you see 还 (also), it means 'in addition to.'
Yes, in casual conversation, you can drop the 以外. For example, 除了他，我们都去 is very common.
No, you can also use 之外 (zhī wài). It sounds a bit more formal or written.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your CEO without any issues.
It goes right in the middle, between 除了 and 以外.
Absolutely. You can use it for objects, people, abstract ideas, or even actions.
Mixing up 都 and 还. If you say 除了苹果以外，我都喜欢, it means you like everything EXCEPT apples. If you use 还, it means you like apples AND other things.
Usually, yes. Without a following 都, 还, or 也, the sentence feels unfinished to a native speaker.
You can ask things like 除了这个以外，还有别的吗？ which means 'Besides this, is there anything else?'
Related Phrases
除此之外 (chú cǐ zhī wài) - In addition to this
包括 (bāo kuò) - To include
不包括 (bù bāo kuò) - Not including
另外 (lìng wài) - Furthermore / In addition
