Learn how to express “everything”, “everyone”, “everywhere” and other universal concepts in Chinese using question words with 都 (dōu)
1 The Basic Pattern: Question Word + 都
In Chinese, to express universal concepts like “everything”, “everyone”, “everywhere” (e.g., “Everything is cheap in Africa”, “Everyone is going to her party”, “Everywhere in China is beautiful”), we use the pattern: Question Word + 都 (dōu).
The word 都 (dōu) means “all” or “both”, and when combined with question words, it creates universal statements that include everything within the scope.
Universal Inclusion Concept
Visual Concept: 都 (dōu) acts as the center that includes all possibilities within the question word’s scope.
Key Grammar Rules
1. Position Before Verb
The “Question Word + 都” must always precede the main verb of the sentence:
2. Positive or Negative
The statement can be either positive or negative:
English Equivalents
Positive Statements
Negative Statements
2 什么 (shénme) + 都
什么 + 都 means “everything” or “anything” in positive statements. In negative statements with 不 (bù) or 没 (méi), it means “nothing”.
Dialogue Examples
Positive: Everything/Anything
Key point: Positive 什么都 means “everything” or “anything” depending on context.
Negative: Nothing
Key point: Negative 什么都不 means “nothing” or “not anything”.
3 谁 (shéi) + 都
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4 Other Question Words + 都
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Practice Exercises
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