连…都
Pattern
连 + emphasized item + 都 + predicate
Key words
Core idea
连…都… means “even...”
It highlights an item that is surprising, extreme, or especially unlikely.
How it works
The emphasized item comes after 连. 都 usually comes before the predicate.
Usage boundary
The pattern works best when the emphasized item makes the statement stronger. It is not just a neutral way to say “also.”
Examples
连我都知道这件事。
Lián wǒ dōu zhīdào zhè jiàn shì.
Even I know about this.
他连水都没喝。
Tā lián shuǐ dōu méi hē.
He did not even drink water.
这道题连老师都觉得难。
Zhè dào tí lián lǎoshī dōu juéde nán.
Even the teacher thinks this question is hard.
Common mistakes
Avoid
连我知道都这件事。
Use
连我都知道这件事。
都 usually comes after the emphasized item and before the predicate.
Seen in stories
Even the Security Guard Danced
连蛋糕都切成小方块，像会议资料一样整齐。
Even the cake is cut into small squares, as neat as meeting materials.
Even the Security Guard Danced
音乐刚响，连最爱热闹的同事都只点了点头。
When the music starts, even the colleague who loves excitement most only nods.
Even the Security Guard Danced
门口的保安站得笔直，连肩膀都没有动。
The security guard at the door stands perfectly straight; even his shoulders do not move.
Even the Security Guard Danced
连财务姐姐都笑了，说这首歌救过三次报表。
Even the finance colleague laughs and says this song saved three reports.
Even the Security Guard Danced
大家越唱越放松，连老板都忘了拿麦克风像汇报。
Everyone becomes more relaxed as they sing, and even the boss forgets to hold the microphone like he is reporting.
Show 11 more story examples
Even the Security Guard Danced
下一秒，连不认识他的实习生都鼓起掌来。
The next second, even interns who do not know him start applauding.
The Accidentally Wrapped Gift
大家连掌声都忘了，因为他当场把麦克风修好了。
Everyone even forgets to applaud because he fixes the microphone on the spot.
The Exhibit Opens at Dawn
中午以前，连最小的展厅都排起队来。
Before noon, even the smallest gallery has a line forming.
Even the Map Was Hungry
朋友笑说，连地图都饿了，才会把小吃画在自己身上。
His friend laughs and says even the map is hungry, so it drew snacks on itself.
Even the Map Was Hungry
连常用的美食网站都没有写这家店。
Even the food websites they usually use have not written about this shop.
Even the Map Was Hungry
她说，连你们手上的地图都还是我二十年前画的。
She says, “Even the map in your hands is one I drew twenty years ago.”
Even the Map Was Hungry
阿哲听完以后，连最后一枚铜板都不敢随便花。
After A Zhe hears this, he does not dare spend even his last coin casually.
Even the Map Was Hungry
老板娘端出一锅汤，说连迷路都可以算一种预约。
The owner brings out a pot of soup and says even getting lost can count as a reservation.
The Accidental Livestream
赵明紧张得连麦克风都忘了关。
Zhao Ming was so nervous that he even forgot to turn off the microphone.
The Comment Section Plan
清单一贴出来，连最爱吐槽的同事都点了赞。
As soon as the checklist was posted, even the coworker who loved complaining most gave it a like.
The Rooftop Bento Party
有人带咸酥鸡，有人带珍珠奶茶，连平常最安静的住户都带了水果。
Some people brought salty crispy chicken, some brought bubble tea, and even the usually quiet resident brought fruit.