以至
HSK 6- Conjunctions
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Conjunction 以至 connects a cause with a serious or unexpected result, carrying the meaning 'to the point that', 'to such an extent that'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
以至 is used to connect two clauses, where the second clause expresses the result of the first. What is notable is that this result is typically of a deeper, more serious, or more unexpected degree than anticipated. It emphasizes that the action or situation in the first clause has led to a significant consequence.
以至 can be translated as "to the point that," "to such an extent that," or "so much so that." It is very similar to 以至于, but 以至 carries a slightly more formal tone and is more commonly used in written language.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他学习太努力了，以至忘了吃饭。繁: 他學習太努力了，以至忘了吃飯。Tā xuéxí tài nǔlì le, yǐzhì wàng le chīfàn.
He studied so hard that he forgot to eat.
- 他工作太忙，以至没时间陪家人。繁: 他工作太忙，以至沒時間陪家人。Tā gōngzuò tài máng, yǐzhì méi shíjiān péi jiārén.
He is so busy with work that he has no time to spend with his family.
- 一个小小的失误，以至造成了巨大的损失。繁: 一個小小的失誤，以至造成了巨大的損失。Yí ge xiǎoxiǎo de shīwù, yǐzhì zàochéng le jùdà de sǔnshī.
A small mistake resulted in enormous losses.
- 他太兴奋了，以至整夜没睡着。繁: 他太興奮了，以至整夜沒睡著。Tā tài xīngfèn le, yǐzhì zhěng yè méi shuìzháo.
He was so excited that he couldn't sleep the whole night.
- 情况非常严重，以至需要警察介入。繁: 情況非常嚴重，以至需要警察介入。Qíngkuàng fēicháng yánzhòng, yǐzhì xūyào jǐngchá jièrù.
The situation is extremely serious, to the point that police intervention is necessary.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:外面下雨了，以至我带了伞。Correct:外面下雨了，所以我带了伞。
以至 is used for serious or unexpected results, not for ordinary logical outcomes like this.
- Wrong:他会说很多语言，以至越南语。Correct:他会说很多语言，甚至越南语。
以至 connects a result, while 甚至 (even) is used to list a typical or extreme example.