HSK 6 · VERSION 2.0#97

Comparing “hékuàng” and “érqiě”

何况 vs 而且

hékuàng vs érqiě

How it works

Both can connect ideas, but their logic is different.

而且 (érqiě) means “moreover,” “and also,” or “in addition.” It simply adds another point.

何况 (hékuàng) means “let alone,” “all the more so,” or “not to mention.” It introduces a stronger case after a case that is already sufficient.

他不但认真听了大家的意见，而且还主动提出了更具体的修改建议。

Tā bùdàn rènzhēn tīng le dàjiā de yìjiàn, érqiě hái zhǔdòng tíchū le gèng jùtǐ de xiūgǎi jiànyì.

He not only listened carefully to everyone’s opinions, but also took the initiative to propose more specific revision suggestions.

这个问题本身就已经相当复杂，何况背后还牵涉到这么多历史原因。

Zhège wèntí běnshēn jiù yǐjīng xiāngdāng fùzá, hékuàng bèihòu hái qiānshè dào zhème duō lìshǐ yuányīn.

This problem itself is already quite complex, let alone the many historical reasons involved behind it.

他不仅经验丰富，而且在处理突发情况时也很冷静。

Tā bùjǐn jīngyàn fēngfù, érqiě zài chǔlǐ tūfā qíngkuàng shí yě hěn lěngjìng.

He is not only experienced, but also very calm in dealing with emergencies.

连最基本的材料都还没弄清楚，何况去谈什么深入分析。

Lián zuì jīběn de cáiliào dōu hái méi nòng qīngchu, hékuàng qù tán shénme shēnrù fēnxī.

Even the most basic materials have not yet been clarified, let alone any deep analysis.

而且 (érqiě) simply adds. 何况 (hékuàng) strengthens by moving to a more obvious or stronger case.