The phrase '连...都' (lián...dōu) is used to emphasize the extremity or unexpectedness of a situation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Emphasizes extremity or unexpectedness.
- Structure: Lian + [Subject] + Dou + [Verb Phrase].
- Used to show surprise or strong emphasis.
Overview
“连……都” 是一个表示强调的句式结构，常用于口语和书面语中。它的核心功能是突出事物的极端性、意外性或者普遍性。通过“连”字引出被强调的对象，再用“都”字来连接后面的谓语部分，从而表达一种“即使是……也……”的意思，强调后面陈述的事实具有一定的意外或令人惊讶的程度。
基本结构：连 + [被强调的对象/人/事] + 都 + [谓语部分]。这里的‘被强调的对象’可以是名词、代词、数量词或名词性短语。
强调意外或不可能性：用于表达某事出乎意料，甚至连通常认为不可能的事情也发生了。例如：‘他忙得连饭都顾不上吃。’
强调普遍性：用于说明某事影响范围很广，甚至连最普通或最不应该被涉及的对象也包括在内。例如：‘这次的降价，连最便宜的商品都包括在内。’
文学作品：用于增强文章的感染力，突出人物的情感或情节的戏剧性。
“甚至” 也可以用来表示类似的强调，但“连……都”在结构上更固定，强调的语气也可能更直接。“哪怕” 和 “即使” 通常用于假设或条件句，表示一种让步的语气，与“连……都”的直接陈述和强调有所不同。
Examples
今天好冷啊，连我这个怕冷的人都觉得有点受不了。
everydayIt's so cold today, even I, who am afraid of the cold, feel a bit unbearable.
这次的改革涉及面很广，连最基层的员工都受到了影响。
formalThis reform involves a wide range of aspects, even the employees at the grassroots level have been affected.
他太粗心了，连钥匙都忘了带！
informalHe's so careless, he even forgot to bring his keys!
该项目要求极高的精确度，连小数点后的几位数字都必须仔细核对。
academicThis project requires extremely high precision; even the digits after the decimal point must be carefully verified.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
连门都没出
didn't even go out the door
连名字都不知道
don't even know the name
连看都没看
didn't even look
Often Confused With
'甚至' (shènzhì) is a more general adverb meaning 'even' or 'so much so that'. It can often replace '连...都' but offers more flexibility in sentence structure. '连...都' forms a more fixed pattern emphasizing the subject or object preceding '都'.
'即使' (jíshǐ) is used in hypothetical or concessive clauses, meaning 'even if' or 'even though'. It sets up a condition and its consequence, whereas '连...都' directly states a surprising fact.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The phrase '连...都' is common in spoken Chinese and informal writing. It adds emphasis and expresses surprise, disbelief, or highlights extremity. While versatile, its strong emphatic nature means it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic or repetitive in formal contexts.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is misplacing the '连' or '都', disrupting the structure. Ensure '连' precedes the element being emphasized, and '都' connects it to the predicate. Also, avoid using it where a simple statement would suffice, as it's specifically for emphasis.
Tips
Highlighting the Unexpected
Use '连...都' to stress that something happened which was surprising or unlikely.
Avoid Overuse
While useful for emphasis, using '连...都' too frequently can make your language sound repetitive or overly dramatic.
Expressing Social Norms
This structure can be used to comment on situations where social expectations or norms are violated, adding a layer of social commentary.
Word Origin
The character '连' (lián) originally depicted a rope connecting things, signifying connection or continuity. '都' (dōu) means 'all' or 'both'. Together, they form a structure that emphasizes that 'all' or 'even' this specific, often extreme, case is included or affected.
Cultural Context
This phrase reflects a common human tendency to express surprise or highlight the unusual. It's a way to share a strong reaction to events, often reflecting a desire for things to be more predictable or fair.
Memory Tip
Think of '连' as 'linking' the unexpected item, and '都' as 'doing' the action anyway. It's like saying, 'Link this surprising thing, and yes, it also happened!'
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“连……都”是一个固定的句式结构，用于强调。而“甚至”更灵活，可以单独使用，也可以放在句首或句中，表示程度的递进或超出。“连……都”的语气通常更强，更侧重于“竟然”。
“连”后面可以跟名词、代词、数量词、名词性短语，甚至是一些动词短语，用来引出被强调的对象。
不一定。可以跟肯定词，如“连他都知道”；也可以跟否定词，如“连他都不知道”，这时表示连本应知道的人也不知道，强调程度更深。
“连……都”非常适合用在日常口语和非正式的书面语中，用来表达惊讶、不满、感慨等强烈的情感。在非常正式的学术写作中可能较少使用。
Test Yourself
他太忙了，______吃饭的时间都没有。
这里需要用“连”来引出被强调的对象“吃饭的时间”，表示情况的极端性。
哪句话正确地使用了“连……都”？
“连”后面跟被强调的主语“他”，后面跟谓语“不知道答案”，结构完整且符合用法。
孩子，这个，知道
将“孩子”放在“连”后面作为被强调的主语，将“这个”作为宾语，构成“孩子连这个都知道”的强调句。
Score: /3
Summary
The phrase '连...都' (lián...dōu) is used to emphasize the extremity or unexpectedness of a situation.
- Emphasizes extremity or unexpectedness.
- Structure: Lian + [Subject] + Dou + [Verb Phrase].
- Used to show surprise or strong emphasis.
Highlighting the Unexpected
Use '连...都' to stress that something happened which was surprising or unlikely.
Avoid Overuse
While useful for emphasis, using '连...都' too frequently can make your language sound repetitive or overly dramatic.
Expressing Social Norms
This structure can be used to comment on situations where social expectations or norms are violated, adding a layer of social commentary.
Examples
4 of 4今天好冷啊，连我这个怕冷的人都觉得有点受不了。
It's so cold today, even I, who am afraid of the cold, feel a bit unbearable.
这次的改革涉及面很广，连最基层的员工都受到了影响。
This reform involves a wide range of aspects, even the employees at the grassroots level have been affected.
他太粗心了，连钥匙都忘了带！
He's so careless, he even forgot to bring his keys!
该项目要求极高的精确度，连小数点后的几位数字都必须仔细核对。
This project requires extremely high precision; even the digits after the decimal point must be carefully verified.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
