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何况 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
何况hékuànglet aloneHSK 7, c, 14 strokes, rank #6917, Very Hard
何况hékuàngto say nothing ofHSK 7, c, 14 strokes, rank #6917, Very Hard
何况hékuàngbesidesHSK 7, c, 14 strokes, rank #6917, Very Hard
何况hékuàngwhat's moreHSK 7, c, 14 strokes, rank #6917, Very Hard
hékuàng(he2kuang4)he kuang T2
  1. 1let alone
  2. 2to say nothing of
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March 24, 2026

何况(何況)hékuàng(he2kuang4)

The phrase 何况 (hé kuàng) is used to introduce an additional point that strengthens an argument, often translating to 'let alone' or 'not to mention' in English. It emphasizes that if the first statement is true, then the following statement is even more so, commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to add emphasis or contrast.

Strokes14Frequency#6917DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese rhetoric, emphasizing a point by stating a stronger one is a common persuasive technique, often found in debates and discussions. This reflects the value placed on logical reasoning and argumentation in Chinese communication.

Memory Tip

Think of 何 (hé) as 'what' and 况 (kuàng) as 'situation.' Picture a situation where you have one challenging task, and you realize that if that task is hard, then the next one is even harder – thus, let alone! Imagine saying, 'What about this situation; let alone the next one!'

Meanings of 何况

hékuàng(he2kuang4)
1let alone
2to say nothing of
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 何况

何况Simplified
何況Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#6917Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 何况

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AI Study Notes for 何况

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 何况 in contexts where it doesn't strengthen the previous statement. It is more formal than casual speech, so it's best used in writing or formal conversations. Be cautious with tone: the first character is in the second tone, and the second character is in the fourth tone.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 5 word, 何况 connects well with other conjunctions and phrases that express contrast or addition, such as 不说 (bù shuō, 'not to mention') and 更 (gèng, 'even more'). Focus on using it in complex sentences to enhance your fluency.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 何况 with 也 (yě, 'also'), using it incorrectly in simple statements. For example, saying '他喜欢狗,何况猫' should be corrected to '他喜欢狗,也喜欢猫' (He likes dogs and also likes cats).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 何况

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Component Characters

何héwhat
HSK 77 strokes亻
View full entry
况kuàngmoreover
7 strokes冫
View full entry

How to say let alone in Chinese

“let alone” in Chinese is何况hékuàng

The phrase 何况 (hé kuàng) is used to introduce an additional point that strengthens an argument, often translating to 'let alone' or 'not to mention' in English. It emphasizes that if the first statement is true, then the following statement is even more so, commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to add emphasis or contrast.

When to use 何况

Common mistakes include using 何况 in contexts where it doesn't strengthen the previous statement. It is more formal than casual speech, so it's best used in writing or formal conversations. Be cautious with tone: the first character is in the second tone, and the second character is in the fourth tone.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 何况 with 也 (yě, 'also'), using it incorrectly in simple statements. For example, saying '他喜欢狗,何况猫' should be corrected to '他喜欢狗,也喜欢猫' (He likes dogs and also likes cats).

Write 何况

何
况

Practice writing 何况 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 何况

何况 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这件事大人都难以理解,____一个孩子呢?

Even adults have trouble understanding this matter, let alone a child.

Example Sentences for 何况 (2)

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1
何况, 她年纪轻、力气大,一定会自卫.

hé kuàng, , tā nián jì、 qīng 、 lì, qì dà , yī dìng.

Besides, she was young and lusty and would defend herself.
2
大人尚且举不起来, 何况小孩子.

dà rén shàng qiě jǔ bù qǐ lái, , hé kuàng xiǎo hái.

Even grown - ups can't lift it, to say nothing of children.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 何况

Yes, but it's more suitable for formal contexts, like writing or speeches.

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