甚至 (shènzhì) is similar to "even" in English and is used for emphasis. Like "even," it can be used quite directly or in a more subtle manner. When used more subtly it acts to supplement the speaker’s initial thought, creating the impression that the speaker has realized half way through his statement that he hasn’t gone far enough, and wants to take the idea one step further.

甚至 used to connect words or phrases

Structure

Note the word or phrase following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further emphasis.

Examples

每个观众甚至裁判都站起来给他鼓掌。Each and every audience, even the judge, stood up and applauded for him.
我去过很多中国的城市，北京、上海、杭州、昆明、桂林，甚至拉萨我也去过。I've been to many cities in China, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Kunming, Guilin. I even went to Lasa once.
他很喜欢玩手机，吃饭的时候，坐地铁的时候，甚至上厕所的时候也在玩。He likes playing with his cell phone when he's eating, taking the metro, even when he goes to the bathroom.

甚至 used to connect sentences

Structure

Note the sentence following 甚至 often uses 也 or 都 to add further emphasis.

Examples

他太忙了，甚至连吃中饭的时间都没有。He's too busy. He doesn't even have time to eat lunch.
他从来不聊工作的事，甚至跟他老婆也不说。He never talks about work, not even to his wife.
这个问题很简单，甚至连孩子都知道。This question is simple, even kids know the answer.
我男朋友很喜欢游泳，甚至连冬天也游。My boyfriend likes swimming a lot. He goes swimming even when it's winter.
几年不见，他变胖了很多，甚至连我这个老朋友都认不出来了。I haven't seen him for a few years and he's gotten much fatter. I, as an old friend, couldn't even recognize him.

甚至 used to connect words or phrases

Structure

Examples

甚至 used to connect sentences

Structure

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books