都 (dōu) — all, both
HSK 1 | adverb | all, both — applies a statement collectively to all subjects
都 (dōu)
An adverb meaning "all" or "both." 都 indicates that a statement applies to every member of a group. It always comes before the verb, and the subject must be plural or refer to multiple things.
Meanings
- [adverb] All, both. Applies the action or description collectively to every member of a group.
都 vs. 也: the key contrast
- 都 collects all subjects into one sweeping statement: "All of them do X."
- 也 adds one more individual to a statement: "This person also does X."
| Sentence | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 我们都喜欢茶。 | We all like tea. (everyone in the group) |
| 我喜欢茶，他也喜欢茶。 | I like tea, and he also likes tea. (adding individuals) |
都 summarizes a group. 也 extends a statement to one more person.
Example Sentences
我们都喜欢中国菜。 Wǒmen dōu xǐhuān Zhōngguó cài. We all like Chinese food.
他们都是学生。 Tāmen dōu shì xuésheng. They are all students.
这些苹果都很好吃。 Zhèxiē píngguǒ dōu hěn hǎochī. All of these apples are delicious.
我和他都不喝咖啡。 Wǒ hé tā dōu bù hē kāfēi. Both he and I don't drink coffee.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 都是 | are all |
| 都有 | all have |
| 都不 | all not / none |
| 都好 | all good |
| 都来 | all come |
Memory Hook
都 is a collective umbrella. Gather everyone under it and make one statement that covers them all. If your subject is plural (我们, 他们, 这些), 都 is likely the right word. Always place 都 before the verb, not before the subject.