甚至 (shènzhì) is similar to "even" in English and is used for emphasis. Like "even"， it can be used quite directly or in a more subtle manner. When used more subtly it acts to supplement the speaker’s initial thought, creating the impression that the speaker has realized half way through his statement that he hasn’t gone far enough, and wants to take the idea one step further.

甚至 used for direct emphasis

Structure
Here 甚至 is used in a more direct manner.

Examples

Tā shì ɡè tàn xiǎn jiā ， tā shèn zhì qù ɡuò běi jí 。
他 是 个 探险家，他 甚至 去 过 北极。
He is an explorer. He's even been to the North Pole.

Note the phrase following 甚至 often uses 连, 都 or 也 to add further emphasis.

甚至 used for more subtle emphasis

Structure
In this structure, the 甚至 takes things up another degree.

Examples

Wǒ jué dé liǎnɡ tiān nèi wán chénɡ zhè ɡe rèn wù hěn nán ， shèn zhì shì bú kě nénɡ de.
我 觉得 两天 内 完成 这个 任务 很 难，甚至 是 不 可能 的。
I think that finishing this task in two days will be very difficult, maybe even impossible.