每…都…
HSK 2- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 每…都… is used to emphasize totality, meaning 'every…all…'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The structure 每…都… is used to emphasize that an action or characteristic applies to all members of a group. 每 (every/each) precedes the noun, and 都 (all/both) precedes the verb.
An important note: a measure word must appear between 每 and the noun (e.g., 每个人, 每天, 每本书). 都 is obligatory and cannot be omitted from this structure; without it, the sentence will sound unnatural.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 每个人都喜欢她。繁: 每個人都喜歡她。Měi ge rén dōu xǐhuān tā.
Everyone likes her.
- 我每天都学习汉语。繁: 我每天都學習漢語。Wǒ měi tiān dōu xuéxí Hànyǔ.
I study Chinese every day.
- 这里的每本书都很有趣。繁: 這裡的每本書都很有趣。Zhèlǐ de měi běn shū dōu hěn yǒuqù.
Every book here is very interesting.
- 他做的每个菜都很好吃。繁: 他做的每個菜都很好吃。Tā zuò de měi ge cài dōu hěn hǎochī.
Every dish he makes is delicious.
- 我们每节课都要考试。繁: 我們每節課都要考試。Wǒmen měi jié kè dōu yào kǎoshì.
We have to take a test every class period.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我每天学习汉语。Correct:我每天都学习汉语。
In this structure, `每` and `都` are an inseparable pair used to emphasize the meaning of 'all, without exception.'
- Wrong:每学生都来了。Correct:每个学生都来了。
After `每` a measure word must follow. `个` is the most common measure word for people.