除了...以外 Besides/Except
除了...以外 means 'besides' (inclusive) or 'except' (exclusive) depending on context.
Pattern
除了 + X + 以外, 都/也/还 + VP
Explanation
When followed by 都 or 也, 除了 means 'except': everyone/everything else does something, but X does not. When followed by 还, it means 'besides': in addition to X, there is also something else.
以外 can be omitted in casual speech. The key to meaning is the adverb that follows: 都 signals exclusion, 还 signals inclusion.
Examples
除了他以外，大家都来了。
Chúle tā yǐwài, dàjiā dōu lái le.
Everyone came except him.
除了中文以外，她还会说日语。
Chúle Zhōngwén yǐwài, tā hái huì shuō Rìyǔ.
Besides Chinese, she can also speak Japanese.
除了周末，我每天都上班。
Chúle zhōumò, wǒ měi tiān dōu shàngbān.
I work every day except weekends.
Common Mistakes
除了中文以外，她会说日语。
除了中文以外，她还会说日语。
还 is needed to indicate 'in addition to' (inclusive meaning).
Related Grammar
Practice this grammar with AI
Use this grammar pattern in a real conversation with our AI tutor.
Start Practicing