HSK 4 · VERSION 2.0#14
Expressing “Even” with “shènzhì”
甚至
How it works
甚至 (shènzhì) means “even.” It is used before an extreme or surprising example, usually to strengthen the sentence.
It often appears when the speaker wants to show that the situation goes further than expected.
The pattern
Clause 1, 甚至 (shènzhì) + Clause / Phrase
Example sentences
他太忙了，甚至连饭都没吃。
He was so busy that he did not even eat.
这个问题很难，甚至老师也想了很久。
This question is very difficult. Even the teacher thought about it for a long time.
他会说很多语言，甚至会说阿拉伯语。
He can speak many languages. He can even speak Arabic.
Key point
甚至 (shènzhì) introduces the most surprising or strongest case.
It often works well with patterns like:
甚至……也……
甚至连……都……
These structures help make the sentence stronger and clearer.