Definition
何况 has two distinct uses: (1) 'let alone' in the structure 连…都/也…,何况…, emphasizing that if the first case is true, the second is even more so; (2) 'besides, what's more' to add a supporting reason. Unlike 况且 (which only means 'besides') and 别说 (a more colloquial 'let alone'), 何况 covers both meanings and is slightly more formal in the 'let alone' pattern.
conjunction
let aloneto say nothing of (in the pattern 连…都/也…,何况…)besideswhat's more (adding an additional point)
Examples
- ,何况?Lián dàrén dōu ná bú dòng, hé kuàng háizi ne?Even adults can't carry it — let alone a child?
- ,何况?Tā lián zìjǐ de míngzì dōu xiě bù hǎo, hé kuàng xiě wénzhāng?He can't even write his own name, let alone write an essay.
- ,何况,。Jīntiān yǐjīng hěn lèi le, hé kuàng wàimiàn hái zài xià yǔ, hái bùrú zài jiā xiūxi.I'm already very tired today — besides, it's still raining outside — might as well rest at home.
Grammar
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