HSK 3 · VERSION 2.0#63

Expressing “Not Even One”

一……都 / 也不……

yī...dōu / yě bù...

How it works

This pattern emphasizes that not even one item fits the statement.

一 + Measure Word / Noun + 都 / 也不 + Verb

我今天一口水都没喝。

Wǒ jīntiān yì kǒu shuǐ dōu méi hē.

I did not drink even one sip of water today.

他一个字也不认识。

Tā yí ge zì yě bù rènshi.

He does not recognize even one character.

我昨天晚上一点儿都不困。

Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshang yìdiǎnr dōu bù kùn.

I was not sleepy at all last night.

This pattern gives strong emphasis.