甚至于

• Pinyin: shèn zhì yú
• Hanzi breakdown: 甚 = 甘 + 匹 (exceed, very); 至 = 化 + 一 (arrive at); 于 = classical preposition/suffix

Meaning

Even; going so far as to; to the point where — used to introduce an extreme or unexpected case.

A more emphatic variant of 甚至, adding 于 for a slightly more formal or literary tone. It introduces the most extreme example in a progression of statements, highlighting a surprising or noteworthy degree of something. Common in formal writing and speech.

Examples

1. 他对工作的投入程度甚至于忘记了吃饭和休息。 He threw himself into his work so completely that he even forgot to eat and rest.
2. 这场洪水破坏力极强，甚至于整个村庄都被淹没。 The flood was so destructive that it even submerged the entire village.
3. 她的歌声令人陶醉，甚至于让评委们忍不住鼓起掌来。 Her singing was so captivating that it even made the judges break into applause.

Usage Guide

Context: formal writing, speeches, literature

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这项政策的受益范围极广，甚至于偏远山区的农户也能享受到相应的补贴。(The scope of beneficiaries from this policy is extremely broad, extending even to farmers in remote mountain areas who can receive the corresponding subsidies.)
• 他的辩护词极具感染力，甚至于使几位原本立场坚定的评委也开始动摇。(His defence was highly persuasive, going so far as to cause several previously firm-minded judges to waver.)

Don't Say

• 甚至于 in casual conversation — it sounds overly formal; use 甚至 or 连…都 instead in everyday speech

Origin & History

甚 (extremely) + 至 (reach, arrive at) + 于 (at, to — formal suffix)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal