HSK 3
除了 N 以外
chúle N yǐwài
except N
Structure
除了 + Noun/Noun Phrase + 以外，(Subject) + 都 + Verb
How it works
This structure is used to exclude a specific item or person from a group. It indicates that the statement following it applies to everyone or everything except for the noun identified between 'chúle' and 'yǐwài'. Often, the second part of the sentence uses 'dōu' (all) or 'quán' (completely) to emphasize the inclusion of the rest.
Examples
除了他以外，我们都去过中国。
Chúle tā yǐwài, wǒmen dōu qùguo Zhōngguó.
Except for him, we have all been to China.
除了咖啡以外，我什么都喝。
Chúle kāfēi yǐwài, wǒ shénme dōu hē.
Except for coffee, I drink anything.
除了这个星期五以外，我每天都有空。
Chúle zhège xīngqīwǔ yǐwài, wǒ měitiān dōu yǒu kòng.
Except for this Friday, I am free every day.
Common mistakes
Forgetting to use '都' (dōu) in the second clause. Without '都', the sentence often feels incomplete when expressing that 'all' others fit the description.
Tip
In spoken Chinese, 'yǐwài' is sometimes omitted, so you might just hear 'Chúle [Noun]...'. However, keeping 'yǐwài' makes your sentence clearer and more formal.
More HSK 3 grammar
See 除了 N 以外 in real Chinese
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