🤯 除了…以外，都 vs 除了…以外，还 / 也 – What’s the Difference?

Both patterns use 除了 (chúle) — but don’t be fooled. One means “except,” the other means “in addition to.” Totally different!

Let’s break them down so you can stop mixing them up. ✍️

🔍  Breakdown

🟡 除了… 以外，都 (chúle … yǐwài，dōu) – “Except for…”

• Exclusive: what follows 除了 is not included

• Structure: 除了 A，都 B

• Emphasizes that all others do something — except A

📌 Use this when talking about who/what is left out of the group.

🟢 除了… 以外，还/也 (chúle … yǐwài，hái/yě) – “In addition to…”

• Inclusive: what follows 除了 is included

• Structure: 除了 A，也 / 还 B

• Means A is not the only one — there’s more

📌 Use this when adding more to the statement.

💬  Easy Examples

🟡 除了… 以外，都 (chúle … yǐwài，dōu) – “Except for…”

Example 1:

除了我以外，大家都去过中国。

(Chúle wǒ yǐwài, dàjiā dōu qù guò Zhōngguó.)

👉 Everyone has been to China, except me.

Example 2:

除了星期天以外，我每天都上班。

（Chúle Xīngqītiān yǐwài, wǒ měitiān dōu shàngbān.）

👉 I work every day except Sunday.

🟢 除了… 以外，还/也 (chúle … yǐwài，hái/yě)– “In addition to…”

Example 1:

除了唱歌以外，她还喜欢跳舞。

（Chúle chànggē yǐwài, tā hái xǐhuān tiàowǔ.）

👉 Besides singing, she also likes dancing.

Example 2:

除了中文以外，我也会说英语。

（Chúle Zhōngwén yǐwài, wǒ yě huì shuō Yīngyǔ.）

👉 Besides Chinese, I can also speak English.

⚠️ Common Mistakes (Watch Out!)

❌ 除了他以外，都大家来了。

(Chúle tā yǐwài, dōu dàjiā lái le.) 

📝 The subject 大家 should be put before 都.

✅ 除了他以外，大家都来了。

(Chúle tā yǐwài, dàjiā dōu lái le.)

👉 ✔ Use “都” after the subject.

🎯  Interactive Practice

Choose the better word: 都 (dōu) or 还 (hái) / 也 (yě)

1. 除了米饭以外，我_____吃了点水果。

(Chúle mǐfàn yǐwài, wǒ _____ chī le diǎn shuǐguǒ.)

👉 I also ate some fruit besides rice.

✅ Correct answer: 还 (hái) / 也 (yě)

2. 除了你以外，大家_____不知道这件事。

(Chúle nǐ yǐwài, dàjiā _____ bù zhīdào zhè jiàn shì.)

👉 Everyone except you doesn’t know this.

✅ Correct answer: 都 (dōu)

3. 除了英语以外，她_____会说日语。

(Chúle Yīngyǔ yǐwài, tā _____ huì shuō Rìyǔ.)

👉 Besides English, she can also speak Japanese.

✅ Correct answer: 还 (hái) / 也 (yě)

4. 除了小王以外，其他人_____没交作业。

(Chúle Xiǎo Wáng yǐwài, qítā rén _____ méi jiāo zuòyè.)

👉 Everyone except Xiaowang didn’t hand in homework.

✅ Correct answer: 都 (dōu)

🚀 Final Tip

• Use “还” / “也” to say “and also…”

• Use “都” to say “everyone/everything except…”

✍️ Try making two sentences:

• One with 除了…以外，还 / 也

• One with 除了…以外，都

Understanding this one rule helps you avoid a LOT of mistakes!

Just one word can flip your meaning—don’t miss the rest of the series! 👉 check them out here! 😄📘