Definition
都 (dōu) is a versatile adverb meaning 'all' (我们都在家), 'even' (他都不来), or 'already' (都八点了). For 'already', use 都 before a number/time with 了; 已经 (yǐjīng) is the standard 'already' and can be used more broadly. For 'all', 都 is the most common word to mean 'all' for a group; 全 (quán) is an adjective meaning 'whole/entire' and 完全 (wánquán) means 'completely'.
adverb
allboth (indicates totality)even (used for emphasis, often in negative statements)already (before a number or time, often paired with 了)
Easily confused
- 赌dǔlook-aliketo gamble, to bet
- 斗dòusound-aliketo fight (physically, verbally, or psychologically)
- 逗dòusound-alike(verb) to tease playfully; to entice
- 兜dōusound-alike(noun) pocket; small bag (as in clothing or accessories)
- 抖dǒusound-aliketo tremble, to shake (from cold, fear, etc.)
- 陡dǒusound-alikesteep, precipitous
Examples
- 都。Wǒmen dōu shì Zhōngguó rén.We are all Chinese.
- 都，。Tā dōu bù lái, wǒmen zǒu ba.He won't even come; let's go.
- 都，。dōu bā diǎn le, kuài qǐchuáng.It's already 8 o'clock; get up quickly.
Grammar
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