HSK 3
一 + M + N + 也／都 + 不 + V
yī + M + N + yě／ dōu + bù + V
not V even one N
Structure
Subject + 一 + Measure Word + Noun + 也/都 + 不/没 + Verb
How it works
This structure is used to emphasize a complete negation, meaning 'not even one' or 'not at all.' It highlights that even the smallest unit of something is not being done or does not exist.
Examples
我一分钱都没有。
Wǒ yī fēn qián dōu méiyǒu.
I don't have even one cent.
他一个字也不认识。
Tā yī gè zì yě bù rènshi.
He doesn't recognize even one character.
我这几天一件衣服都没买。
Wǒ zhè jǐ tiān yī jiàn yīfu dōu méi mǎi.
I haven't bought even one piece of clothing these past few days.
Common mistakes
Forgetting the measure word (e.g., saying '一个人' instead of '一门') or placing '也/都' before the noun.
Tip
If the noun is uncountable, use '一点儿' (yīdiǎnr) instead of '一 + Measure Word,' such as '我一点儿水都不喝' (I won't drink even a little water).
More HSK 3 grammar
See 一 + M + N + 也／都 + 不 + V in real Chinese
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