Usage of 尚且
The adverb 尚且 is used to emphasize that even a certain condition or fact holds true, often implying that something more difficult or significant is even more so. It can be translated as "even," "still," or "let alone" in English.
Common contexts
尚且 often appears in sentences to highlight a contrast or to stress the difficulty or unexpectedness of a situation. For example, it can precede a negative statement to emphasize that if something simple is not possible, then more complex things are even less so.
Collocations and patterns
- 尚且 + verb phrase: emphasizes that even this action or state is true.
- 连...尚且...，别说...: a common pattern meaning "even... can't..., let alone..."
Nuance and register
尚且 is somewhat formal and often used in written or formal spoken Chinese. It carries a tone of emphasis and sometimes mild surprise or concession.
Common confusion
Do not confuse 尚且 with 还 (hái), which also means "still" but lacks the emphatic contrast function. 尚且 specifically highlights a condition that supports a stronger conclusion or contrast.