除了 (chú le) — besides, in addition to (used with 还/也 to include); except (for) (used with 都 to exclude)

Definition

除了 can mean 'besides / in addition to' (often followed by 还/也 to include) OR 'except' (often followed by 都 to exclude) — the context after it tells you which. Pairs naturally with 以外 in the longer form 除了…以外.

preposition
besidesin addition to (used with 还/也 to include)except (for) (used with 都 to exclude)

Examples

  • 除了
    chú le Shuǐ, wǒ hái xǐ huan hē chá.
    Besides water, I also like to drink tea.
  • 除了
    chú le Tā, wǒ men dōu qù.
    Except for him, we are all going.
  • 除了
    chú le Kàn shū yǐ wài, tā hái xǐ huan tīng yīn yuè.
    Besides reading, she also likes listening to music.

Grammar

Browse more HSK 3 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.