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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "even" with 连 (lián) as a subordinating conjunction

    HSK 5
    Condition
    Emphasis

    Structure

    连 + Clause + 都/也 + Main Clause

    Explanation

    The subordinating conjunction 连 (lián) introduces a subordinate clause that presents an extreme or surprising case, meaning "even." It frames the unexpected element before the main clause delivers the conclusion. For example, 连小孩子都知道的事,他竟然不知道 means "even children know this, yet he surprisingly doesn't."

    Examples

    • 连他自己都不相信,别人怎么会信呢?

      Lián tā zìjǐ dōu bù xiāngxìn, biérén zěnme huì xìn ne?

      Even he himself doesn't believe it, so how would others?

    • 连天气预报都说不准的事,你怎么知道?

      Lián tiānqì yùbào dōu shuō bù zhǔn de shì, nǐ zěnme zhīdào?

      Even the weather forecast can't predict it accurately, so how would you know?

    • 连医生都觉得奇怪的病,确实很少见。

      Lián yīshēng dōu juéde qíguài de bìng, quèshí hěn shǎojiàn.

      An illness that even doctors find strange is indeed very rare.