The Mandarin Chinese phrase '何况 (hékuàng)' functions as a conjunction similar to 'let alone' or 'much less' in English. It is used when you want to express that if a simple or lesser thing is not or can't be done, then it's even more unlikely that a more extreme or greater thing can be done. It typically follows a statement about a lesser action or condition, then introduces a statement about a more extreme or less likely action or condition.