HSK 6
除
chú
除以外 (Except, apart from)
Explanation
The structure 除⋯⋯以外 (chú...yǐwài) is used to exclude one object from the rest, meaning 'except for... then...'.
除 (chú) + A + 以外，(都/也/还/没有...) + B. A is the object being excluded, B is the rest and the main information; clause B usually has 都 (dōu = all), 也 (yě = also), or 没有 (méiyǒu = there is no).
Used both in speech and writing, when you want to set aside one case to speak about the rest. There are two directions of meaning: (1) exclude A and then the rest are the same (除他以外，所有人都来了 = except him, everyone came); (2) 除A以外，还/也有B means 'besides A there is also B' (including A).
Vietnamese learners often drop the 以外 at the end, writing only 除他, which sounds abrupt and is wrong; and often forget the word 都 in the following clause when the meaning is 'all the rest'.
Examples
Except for him, everyone came.
Besides this matter, I can agree to everything else you ask.
Besides this suitcase, there is no other luggage.
Practice
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Learn “除” effectively
The grammar point “除” (除以外 (Except, apart from)) is one of the key structures at HSK 6. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.