Definition
概 (gài) is a bound form (not used alone) that appears in compounds meaning 'general, approximate' (e.g., 大概, 大致) or 'categorically, without exception' (e.g., 一概, 一律). Unlike standalone adverbs like 全都 or 一律, 概 always attaches to another character. Its 'without exception' sense is more sweeping and formal than 全都, and similar to 一概 but slightly less common.
adverb
(bound form) generalapproximate (used in 大概, 概况, etc.)(bound form) without exceptioncategorically (used in 一概, 概不, etc.)
Easily confused
- 暨jìlook-alike(literary) and, as well as
- 该gāisound-alike(modal verb) should, ought to; used to indicate strong necessity or likelihood
- 既jìlook-alike(adverb) already (formal)
- 该gāisound-alikeshould; ought to
- 改gǎisound-aliketo change, to alter
- 盖gàisound-alike(noun) lid, cover, top
- 钙gàisound-alikecalcium
Examples
- 。Tā dà gài bù lái le.He probably isn't coming.
- 。Zhèlǐ yí gài jìnzhǐ xīyān.Smoking is categorically prohibited here.
- 概。Yíqiè hòuguǒ gài bú fùzé.We are not responsible for any consequences.
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