Scope Adverb: 皆 (all/everyone — literary)
范围副词：皆
Understand and use 皆 as a literary scope adverb meaning "all" in written Chinese and set phrases
皆 is placed after the subject and before the verb or adjective, meaning "all / without exception." It functions like 都 but belongs to a classical/literary register. It is found in formal writing, news, and many set phrases (成语).
皆 is the Classical Chinese equivalent of 都. While 都 is universal in modern Chinese, 皆 survives in literary writing and numerous fixed expressions: 人人皆知, 有目共睹, 皆大欢喜. Understanding 皆 is essential for reading formal texts and classical-influenced modern prose.
Lesson Targets
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Podcast: Scope Adverb: 皆 (all/everyone — literary) (范围副词：皆)
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Understanding 范围副词：皆
If 都 (dōu) is the everyday word for "all," then 皆 (jiē) is its distinguished ancestor who still appears at formal occasions. This classical scope adverb means "all / everyone / without exception" and carries the weight of literary tradition. You will encounter 皆 in two main contexts. First, in modern formal writing: 这已是人人皆知的事实 (This is a fact known to all). Second, and perhaps more importantly, in numerous set phrases and idioms that have survived from Classical Chinese: 人人皆知 (everyone knows), 皆大欢喜 (everyone is happy), 比比皆是 (can be found everywhere). At HSK 7-9, you are expected to recognize 皆 in formal texts and use it in appropriate written contexts. It adds a literary gravitas that 都 simply cannot provide.
Key Points
- 皆 (jiē) = "all / everyone / without exception" — literary scope adverb.
- Functions like 都 but belongs to a classical/literary register.
- Placed after the subject, before the predicate: 人人皆知 (everyone knows).
- Essential in many set phrases: 皆大欢喜, 比比皆是, 人尽皆知, 有口皆碑.
- Common in formal news writing: 此事皆有记录 (This matter is all on record).
- Can combine with 可: 皆可 = "all may / all can."
Many Chinese idioms (成语) containing 皆 have roots stretching back thousands of years. The phrase 有教无类，人皆可学 (Education for all, everyone can learn) reflects Confucius's educational philosophy. Using 皆 connects you to this deep cultural and literary heritage.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这已是人人皆知的事实。
This is already a fact known to all.
人人皆知 is a very common set phrase
这个比赛十六到十九岁的男性青少年皆可报名参加。
Male adolescents aged sixteen to nineteen may all register for this competition.
大街小巷，比比皆是。
On every street and alley — they can be found everywhere.
比比皆是 is a common idiom
最终结果皆大欢喜。
The final result made everyone happy.
与会代表皆表示赞同。
All attending delegates expressed agreement.
此类现象在各地皆有发生。
This type of phenomenon has occurred everywhere.
世间万物皆有其规律。
All things in the world have their own patterns.
Philosophical/literary register
Common Mistakes
皆 is far too literary for a casual suggestion. Use 都 in everyday conversation.
皆 means "all" and refers to multiple subjects or items. It does not mean "completely" for a single person. Use 完全 or 都 with a plural subject.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Learn the key set phrases: 人人皆知, 皆大欢喜, 比比皆是, 有口皆碑 — these appear frequently in both reading and writing.
In formal writing, replace 都 with 皆 occasionally to elevate your register: 与会者都同意 → 与会者皆表示赞同.
Remember: 皆 is for written/literary Chinese. In conversation, always use 都.
When reading classical-influenced modern prose, treat 皆 as a direct replacement for 都 — the meaning is identical.
Homework
Find and memorize five idioms or set phrases containing 皆. Write each one in a complete sentence. Then write a short formal paragraph about a universally known truth using 皆 at least twice.