甚至 - Expressing "even"
HSK 4
甚至 (shènzhì) translates to "even" in English and is used to emphasize an extreme example or to highlight something surprising within a statement. It often indicates a shift where the speaker adds a stronger or more unexpected point.
Usage:
To emphasize an extreme example:
甚至 can highlight a specific instance that exceeds expectations.To introduce an additional thought:
It can give the impression that the speaker adjusts their statement mid-sentence to include something more emphatic.
Sample Sentences
这本书太有趣了，甚至连小孩子都能读懂。This book is so interesting that even children can understand it.
他对中国文化的了解很深，甚至比一些本地人还要多。He knows so much about Chinese culture, even more than some locals.
他们的服务非常周到，甚至会主动帮顾客提行李。Their service is excellent; they even offer to carry luggage for customers.
In a Text
最近，我的朋友小王开始学烹饪了。他原来连简单的方便面都煮不好，可是现在却变成了厨房里的高手。他不仅能做出色香味俱全的中餐，甚至还会制作非常复杂的西餐。上周末，他邀请我们去他家吃饭，亲手做了一桌菜，其中包括牛排、意大利面，甚至连法式甜点也不在话下。大家都觉得不可思议，甚至怀疑他是不是偷偷去报了什么高级烹饪课程。小王笑着说：“没有啦，我只是看了很多视频，然后自己慢慢摸索的！”
烹饪 (pēngrèn): Cooking, culinary arts
出色香味俱全 (chūsè xiāng wèi jùquán): Excellent in color, aroma, and taste (used to describe food)
不在话下 (bù zài huàxià): No problem, not a challenge
不可思议 (bùkě sīyì): Unbelievable, incredible
摸索 (mōsuǒ): To explore, to figure out through trial and error
Recently, my friend Xiao Wang started learning how to cook. He used to not even be able to make instant noodles properly, but now he has become a master in the kitchen. Not only can he prepare delicious Chinese dishes, but he can even make very complex Western dishes. Last weekend, he invited us to his home for a meal and personally prepared a full table of dishes, including steak, pasta, and even French desserts were no problem for him. Everyone was amazed, even wondering if he had secretly enrolled in some advanced culinary course. Xiao Wang laughed and said, "No, not at all! I just watched a lot of videos and slowly figured it out myself!"
