甚至

• Pinyin: shèn zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 甚 = 甘 (sweet) + components — to a great extent; 至 = an arrow reaching its target — to arrive at, reaching

Meaning

Even; so much so that; to the point that. Introduces an extreme or surprising case.

An important conjunction that escalates a statement by adding an extreme example beyond normal expectation. Often used with 连...都/也 for extra emphasis. Essential for building layered arguments or descriptions.

Examples

1. 他忙得连饭都顾不上吃，甚至忘了喝水。 He is so busy he can't even eat, and even forgot to drink water.
2. 这道题太难了，甚至老师也做不出来。 This question is so difficult that even the teacher can't solve it.
3. 天气冷极了，甚至连室内都觉得冻。 The weather is extremely cold — it even feels freezing indoors.

Usage Guide

Context: argumentation, emphasis, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 大家都喜欢他，甚至平时很严格的老板也表扬了他。(Everyone likes him — even the strict boss praised him.)
• 她很害怕，甚至不敢一个人走夜路。(She is very afraid — she doesn't even dare walk alone at night.)

Don't Say

• 甚至我今天很开心 at the start without escalation (甚至 requires a preceding statement to escalate from — it cannot start a new topic on its own)

Origin & History

Compound of 甚 (very, extremely) and 至 (to arrive at, reach) — reaching an extreme degree, hence 'even'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal