Meaning
甚至 is used to emphasize an extreme case or unexpected extent of something. It introduces information that goes beyond what was previously mentioned, highlighting that the situation is more serious, surprising, or comprehensive than expected. It's similar to saying 'even' or 'to the extent that' in English.
Usage
甚至 typically appears before the most extreme example in a series or before a surprising outcome. It's commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to add emphasis. Often follows a general statement and precedes the specific extreme case: '很多人喜欢他，甚至包括他的对手' (Many people like him, even including his opponents).
Examples
- 01他工作很忙，甚至周末都要加班。, .He's very busy with work; he even has to work overtime on weekends.
- 02这个问题很严重，甚至可能影响公司的未来。, .This problem is very serious; it might even affect the company's future.
Characters
Common collocations
- 甚至包括even including
- 甚至可以说one could even say
- 甚至连...都...even... (emphatic pattern)
Origin
甚 means 'extreme' or 'very much,' and 至 means 'to reach' or 'to arrive at.' Together they literally mean 'reaching to an extreme degree,' which evolved into the modern meaning of 'even' or 'to the point that.'