The Mandarin Chinese phrase '何况 (hékùang)' is a conjunction usually translated as 'let alone', 'even more' or 'moreover'. It is used to make comparisons and to strengthen a previous statement or argument, showing a greater degree or extent. It is similar to the use of 'let alone' in English, where the phrase is often used to illustrate that a lesser condition is already true, so a greater one must also be true.