HSK 5
(更)何况
( gèng) hékuàng
let alone
Structure
Condition A + (更)何况 + Condition B (usually with '呢')
How it works
This grammar point is used to emphasize a further point by comparing it to a simpler or more obvious one, often translated as 'let alone' or 'not to mention.' It typically appears in the second clause of a sentence, leading to a conclusion that is even more certain than the first.
Examples
大人都搬不动，更何况小孩子呢？
Dàrén dōu bān bú dòng, gèng hékuàng xiǎoháizi ne?
Even adults can't move it, let alone children.
这道题连老师也不会，更何况是他？
Zhè dào tí lián lǎoshī yě bú huì, gèng hékuàng shì tā?
Even the teacher doesn't know this question, let alone him.
上海本来就很美，何况是在秋天。
Shànghǎi běnlái jiù hěn měi, hékuàng shì zài qiūtiān.
Shanghai is already beautiful, and even more so in autumn.
Common mistakes
Users often forget that '何况' usually requires a rhetorical question or a comparative context; it cannot be used as a simple conjunction like 'and' or 'also'.
Tip
Look for the word '连' (even) in the first clause. '何况' is very frequently paired with '连...都/也...' to create a strong contrast.
More HSK 5 grammar
See (更)何况 in real Chinese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
Try InputDojo free