除 — meaning in English: except

chú · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for exception

客户端

kèhù duān

除

chú

婴儿

yīng'ér

转移

zhuǎnyí

学习

xuéxí

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Mandarin Chinese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers often use '除' when discussing exclusions in everyday conversations, such as planning events or discussing responsibilities. For example, a person might say, '除我之外，大家都来了,' meaning 'Everyone came except me.' This word is commonly heard in both casual and professional settings.

Synonyms & nuances

'除' is often compared to '除了' (chúle), which translates to 'besides' or 'in addition to.' While '除' focuses on exclusion, '除了' implies inclusion of additional items or people. You would choose '除' when you want to emphasize what is not included rather than what is.

Culture

'除' has roots in ancient Chinese, where it originally referred to the concept of removing or separating. In modern usage, it embodies the idea of exclusion and is essential in expressing relationships among groups. Interestingly, in Chinese culture, the clarity in communication is paramount, making this word a vital tool in ensuring no misunderstandings in social contexts.

FAQ

Q.How do I use '除' in a sentence?

'除' is used to indicate what or who is being excluded. For example, you can say, '除他外，所有人都同意,' which means 'Everyone agrees except him.'

Q.Is '除' used in formal writing?

Yes, '除' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it versatile for everyday conversation as well as written documents.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with '除'?

A common mistake is to confuse '除' with '除了.' Remember, '除' is strictly for exclusion, while '除了' can indicate inclusion as well. Using them interchangeably can lead to misunderstandings.

Learn mandarin chinese with Maspeak →

Chinese (Mandarin) 2000