AdverbsHSK 5
Expressing "almost" using 差点没
差点没 + desired result means you almost didn't achieve something but, in the end, did. Use it to emphasize fortunate outcomes. Avoid adding 了 after the verb phrase.
Structure
Subj. + 差点 + 没 + Verb Phrase
the verb phrase expresses a desired result; do not use 了 after the verb
Examples
- 我差点儿没想起来。Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi xiǎng qǐlái.I almost couldn't recall it.
- 我差点没赶上火车。Wǒ chàdiǎn méi gǎnshàng huǒchē.I almost missed the train.
- 他差点没通过考试。Tā chàdiǎn méi tōngguò kǎoshì.He barely passed the examination.
- 我差点儿没拿到签证。Wǒ chàdiǎnr méi nádào qiānzhèng.I almost didn't get the visa.
- 排队的人太多了，差点儿没买到。Páiduì de rén tài duō le, chàdiǎnr méi mǎidào.The waiting line is too long. I almost didn't get it.