Scope Adverbs: 全, 一共, 只
范围、协同副词：全、一共、只
Express totality, sum, and limitation using scope adverbs
Place the scope adverb before the verb or adjective. 全 (all/entirely) indicates totality, 一共 (altogether) introduces a total count, and 只 (only) limits or restricts.
全 modifies the verb to mean "all" or "completely." 一共 usually appears before a number phrase. 只 limits what follows — it can feel emphatic or understated depending on context.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Scope Adverbs: 全, 一共, 只 (范围、协同副词：全、一共、只)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 范围、协同副词：全、一共、只 pattern
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Understanding 范围、协同副词：全、一共、只
Scope adverbs define the boundaries of an action. 全 is the wide-angle lens — it means "all" or "entirely," painting a complete picture. When you say 同学们全来了, you mean every single classmate showed up. 一共 is the calculator — it tallies things up and gives you the total. 一共有二十人 means "there are twenty people in total." 只 is the narrow lens — it limits and restricts. 只有二百块钱 means "there are only two hundred yuan" with a feeling of "that is not much." These three words are small but powerful — they change the scope and emotional tone of entire sentences.
Key Points
- 全 (quán) = all / entirely — emphasizes completeness: 全来了 (all came), 全对了 (all correct).
- 一共 (yígòng) = altogether / in total — introduces a sum: 一共花了五百块 (spent 500 yuan in total).
- 只 (zhǐ) = only / just — limits quantity or scope: 只有三个 (there are only three).
- 全 often pairs with 都: 全都来了 (every single one came) — this is emphatic.
- 一共 appears before numbers: 一共三十个人, 一共花了多少钱？
- 只 can pair with 有: 只有 = "there is only…" 只是 = "it is merely…"
- 只 can express modesty: 我只学了一年 (I have only studied for one year).
Chinese speakers often use 只 for modesty. If you speak decent Chinese and someone praises you, a natural response is 我只学了两年 (I have only studied for two years) — this humble deflection is very much appreciated in Chinese culture.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
同学们全来了。
All the classmates came.
一共有二十个人。
There are twenty people in total.
我只有二百块钱。
I only have two hundred yuan.
今天的作业我全做完了。
I finished all of today's homework.
你们一共花了多少钱？
How much did you all spend in total?
他只吃了一点儿。
He only ate a little bit.
这些书我全看过。
I have read all of these books.
Common Mistakes
全 is an adverb modifying the verb, not an adjective modifying the noun. It goes before the verb, not before the noun.
Do not forget the measure word 个 before 人 when counting people.
Use 只有 (only have) for limiting quantity. 只是 means "merely / it is just that" — a different meaning.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
全 and 都 are close friends — 全都 together is very emphatic: 我全都知道 (I know everything about it).
Use 一共 when splitting bills: 一共多少钱？一共三百块。(How much total? 300 yuan total.)
只 is your modesty tool — when someone compliments you, downplay with 只: 我只是运气好 (I was just lucky).
Remember: 全 = adverb (goes before verb), 所有 = adjective (goes before noun). Do not mix them up.
Homework
Write about a class trip or gathering: how many people came (一共), whether everyone showed up (全), and what limitations there were (只). Use each adverb at least three times.