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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "except" and "in addition" with 除了 (chúle)

    HSK 3
    Connecting Ideas
    Listing & Enumeration

    Structure

    除了 + X + 以外, 都/也/还 + Verb Phrase

    Explanation

    除了 (chúle) means "except for" or "apart from" and is used to single out an item before making a statement about everything else. When paired with 都 (dōu), it means "except for X, all others…"; when paired with 也 or 还, it means "in addition to X, also…" The meaning shifts depending on the word used in the second clause.

    Examples

    • 除了小王，大家都到了。

      Chúle Xiǎo Wáng, dàjiā dōu dào le.

      Everyone has arrived except Xiao Wang.

    • 他除了会做饭，还会做甜点。

      Tā chúle huì zuòfàn, hái huì zuò tiándiǎn.

      Besides cooking, he can also make desserts.

    • 除了周末，我每天都要上班。

      Chúle zhōumò, wǒ měitiān dōu yào shàngbān.

      I have to work every day except on weekends.

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    Expressing "except" and "in addition" with 除了 (chúle) | Chinese Grammar