Expressing 'Even': 连...都/也 (lián...dōu/yě)

Think of this pattern as a grammar sandwich. You have 连 as the top bun and 都 or 也 as the bottom bun. The "meat" in the middle is the thing you want to emphasize. This structure is fixed. You cannot really move the pieces around without the sandwich falling apart. 连 acts as the introduction to the surprise. 都 or 也 acts as the reinforcement. While they both work, 都 is much more common in daily life. 也 is often used in negative sentences or when you want a slightly softer tone. It is like choosing between a loud shout and a firm statement. Both get the point across, but the vibe is different.

1. 1Creating this structure follows a very specific path. Follow these steps to build your sentence:
2. 2Start with 连 to signal the emphasis.
3. 3Place the noun, phrase, or verb you want to highlight right after 连.
4. 4Add 都 or 也 after your emphasized part.
5. 5Complete the sentence with your main verb or adjective.
6. 6If the subject is the focus: 连 + Subject + 都/也 + Verb. Example: 连我奶奶都会用手机。 (Even my grandma can use a phone.)
7. 7If the object is the focus: Subject + 连 + Object + 都/也 + Verb. Example: 他连水都不喝。 (He doesn't even drink water.)
8. 8For verbs, you often repeat the verb: 连 + Verb + 都 + Verb. Example: 他连看都没看。 (He didn't even look.)

Use this pattern when you want to highlight an extreme case. If something is totally unexpected, 连 is your best friend. For example, if a math genius fails a simple addition test, you would say, "Even he got it wrong!" It is also great for job interviews. You can say, "I even have experience in international marketing." It shows you go above and beyond. Use it when ordering food if a dish is surprisingly spicy. "Even the water feels spicy now!" It is perfect for expressing frustration, surprise, or high praise. It turns a boring fact into a compelling point.

Do not use this for boring, everyday facts. If you say, "Even I eat breakfast," people will look at you strangely. It implies that you usually never eat or that it is a miracle you are eating. Only use it when there is a sense of "wow" or "really?" involved. Also, avoid using it if you are just trying to say "also." If you want to say "I also like apples," just use 也. Adding 连 makes it sound like apples are the last thing on earth you should like. It is a high-energy pattern, so don't waste it on low-energy facts. Think of it like a grammar firework; save it for the right moment.

The most common mistake is forgetting the second half of the sandwich. You cannot just say 连 + Noun + Verb. You must include 都 or 也. Without them, the sentence feels like it is hanging off a cliff. Another mistake is putting 连 in the wrong spot. If you are emphasizing the subject, 连 must come before the subject. If you put it after, the sentence breaks. Also, watch out for double negatives. If you want to say "not even," make sure the negative word (不 or 没) comes after 都 or 也. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, but you don't have to!

You might wonder how this differs from just using 也. The word 也 simply adds information. It means "also" or "too." It is inclusive and calm. 连...也, however, is emphatic. It is like the difference between saying "I am coming too" and "Even I am coming!" One is a statement, the other is a headline. Another similar word is 甚至 (shènzhì), which means "even to the point of." While 甚至 can often replace 连, 连...都 is the standard way to structure the sentence in spoken Chinese. Think of 连 as the structural bones and 甚至 as an optional vocabulary upgrade.