Preposition: 除了 (Besides / Except)
介词：除了
Use 除了 to express inclusion (besides/in addition to) or exclusion (except for)
When 除了 is followed by 还/也 in the main clause, it means "besides / in addition to" (inclusive). When followed by 都 without 还/也, it means "except for" (exclusive). The keyword in the second clause determines the meaning.
This is a tricky grammar point because the same word 除了 can mean opposite things depending on the context. The secret is in the second clause: 还/也 = inclusion, 都 alone = exclusion. Sometimes the meaning is clear only from context.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Preposition: 除了 (Besides / Except) (介词：除了)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 介词：除了 pattern
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Understanding 介词：除了
The preposition 除了 (chúle) is one of the trickiest words in Chinese because it can mean two opposite things: "besides / in addition to" (inclusive) or "except for" (exclusive). The meaning depends entirely on the adverb in the main clause. When you see 除了……还/也 (besides… also), the meaning is inclusive — you are adding to a list. For example, 除了英文，他还会说中文 means "Besides English, he can also speak Chinese" — both languages are included. When you see 除了……都 without 还/也, the meaning is exclusive — you are singling something out. For example, 除了他，我们都是留学生 means "Except for him, we are all exchange students" — he is the exception. Mastering this distinction is essential because confusing the two meanings leads to saying the exact opposite of what you intend.
Key Points
- 除了 + A + 还/也 + B = "Besides A, also B" — inclusive, adding to the list.
- 除了 + A + 都 + B = "Except for A, all B" — exclusive, A is the exception.
- The adverb in the second clause (还/也 vs. 都) determines the meaning.
- In some sentences, both readings are possible — context is the key.
- 除了 is always followed by a comma before the main clause.
- Can be used with nouns, pronouns, or verb phrases: 除了他, 除了跑步, 除了星期天.
Chinese speakers use 除了 frequently in daily conversation to make comparisons and list exceptions. Being able to use it correctly helps you navigate social situations — for example, 除了工作，你还有什么爱好？(Besides work, what other hobbies do you have?) is a common ice-breaker question.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
除了英文，他还会说中文。
Besides English, he can also speak Chinese.
Inclusive — both languages are included
除了他，我们都是留学生。
Except for him, we are all exchange students.
Exclusive — he is the exception
除了跑步，她也喜欢游泳。
Besides running, she also likes swimming.
除了星期天，我每天都上班。
Except for Sunday, I work every day.
除了中国菜，我还喜欢日本菜和韩国菜。
Besides Chinese food, I also like Japanese and Korean food.
除了小王，大家都来了。
Except for Xiao Wang, everyone came.
除了学习，你还应该多运动。
Besides studying, you should also exercise more.
Common Mistakes
If you want to say "except for him," use 都 in the main clause. Using 还 changes the meaning to "besides him, we are also exchange students" — which implies he is one too.
The 除了 clause needs a comma, and the main clause needs 还 or 也 to clearly express the inclusive meaning.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
The golden rule: 除了 + 还/也 = "besides" (inclusive). 除了 + 都 = "except" (exclusive).
If you forget whether to use 还 or 都, ask yourself: "Am I adding to a list or naming an exception?"
Practice with your own life: 除了工作, I also…… (还). Except for Monday, I always…… (都).
In conversation, pay attention to whether the speaker uses 还 or 都 after 除了 — it completely changes the meaning.
Homework
Write four inclusive sentences using 除了……还/也 (listing things you like, can do, or have) and four exclusive sentences using 除了……都 (naming exceptions to general rules in your life).