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March 24, 2026
除了chúle(chu2le5)
除了 means 'besides' or 'apart from' and is used to indicate exceptions or additional items in a list. It often connects two clauses, emphasizing what's included or excluded, making it useful for both spoken and written Mandarin.
Frequency#626DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
除了 is frequently used in Chinese conversations to emphasize inclusivity or exclusivity, reflecting the importance of relationships and social context in communication. It is common to see it in discussions about family gatherings, where some members may be excluded from certain activities.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing outside a house (除) holding a large 'L' (了) for 'leaving.' This represents what is 'outside' or 'except for' the house. The character 除 combines the idea of 'removing' or 'excluding' with an additional component, enhancing the meaning of inclusion or exception.
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AI Study Notes for 除了
Quick Contrast
除了 (besides) vs 还有 (also) — use 除了 to emphasize exceptions or exclusions, while 还有 adds additional items without implying exclusion.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing outside a house (除) holding a large 'L' (了) for 'leaving.' This represents what is 'outside' or 'except for' the house. The character 除 combines the idea of 'removing' or 'excluding' with an additional component, enhancing the meaning of inclusion or exception.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include misplacing 除了 in sentences, as it typically comes before the subject or the item being excluded. It's informal, but widely accepted in both spoken and written contexts. Remember to use the correct tone: '除了' (chu2 le5) can be confused with '出' (chu1), which means 'to go out.'
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 除了 connects well with other HSK 3 vocabulary, especially those dealing with conjunctions and comparisons. Focus on practicing its use in sentences to differentiate it from similar expressions like 还 (hái) meaning 'also.'
Cultural Note
除了 is frequently used in Chinese conversations to emphasize inclusivity or exclusivity, reflecting the importance of relationships and social context in communication. It is common to see it in discussions about family gatherings, where some members may be excluded from certain activities.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 除了 with 也 (yě), which means 'also,' leading to sentences that don't convey the intended meaning. For example, saying '除了我也喜欢这个' instead of '除了我，大家都喜欢这个' (Except for me, everyone likes this) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 除了
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Grammar Patterns of 除了
除了 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Watersports enthusiasts should consider hiring a wetsuit as well as a lifejacket.
5
有什么烦心事吗？我的意思是，除了这件事以外还有吗？
yǒu shí mó fán xīn shì ma？ ？ wǒ de yì sī， shì ， chú le zhè jiàn shì yǐ wài huán？
Is something upsetting you—I mean, apart from this business?
6
他的冰箱里除了3个非常干瘪的西红柿外已经空空如也。
tā de bīng xiāng lǐ chú le3 3 gè fēi cháng gān biē de xī hóng shì wài yǐ jīng kōng kōng rú。
His fridge was bare apart from three very withered tomatoes.
7
除了汤是凉的以外,那顿饭菜是很好的.
chú le tāng shì liáng de yǐ wài, , nà dùn fàn cài shì hěn hǎo.
The soup was cold, but it was otherwise an excellent meal.
8
除了偶尔一两个傍晚出来散步的人，雾蒙蒙的街上空荡荡的。
chú le ǒu ěr yī liǎng gè bàng wǎn chū lái sàn bù de rén， ， wù mēng mēng de jiē shàng kōng dàng dàng。
The foggy streets were virtually empty, except for the occasional evening stroller.
9
你什么都不关心，除了你自己和你那张娇贵的脸。
nǐ shí mó dū bù guān xīn， ， chú le nǐ zì jǐ hé nǐ nà zhāng jiāo guì de。
You don't care about anything but yourself and your precious face.
10
除了车流的噪音，那一晚过得很平静。
chú le chē liú de zào yīn， ， nà yī wǎn guò dé hěn píng。
Except for traffic noise the night passed peacefully.
Cultural Notes for 除了
🏮Cultural insight
除了 is frequently used in Chinese conversations to emphasize inclusivity or exclusivity, reflecting the importance of relationships and social context in communication. It is common to see it in discussions about family gatherings, where some members may be excluded from certain activities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 除了
You can use 除了 at the beginning of a sentence, like '除了我，大家都来了' (Except for me, everyone came).
Yes, 除了 can precede verbs to indicate what is excluded, as in '除了学习，他还做运动' (Apart from studying, he also exercises).
除了 focuses on exceptions or exclusions, while 还 simply adds more information without implying exclusion.
