How to use 都
Subj. + 都 + Predicate
都 does more than distribute a statement across a group. It can highlight a striking extent or outcome, giving an “even” interpretation without naming every member of a set. It can also emphasize that a situation has already reached a point the speaker considers significant. The predicate and context determine which reading is relevant.
In complaints or reasoning, 都 can present an established circumstance as something the listener should take into account. A following clause may explain what should therefore happen or why the present response seems inappropriate. Do not translate every 都 automatically as “all.” Check whether there is actually a plural set, or whether the speaker is stressing an unexpected or already reached situation.
Examples with pinyin and English
我很想妈妈，有时候我都能看见她。
I really miss Mom. Sometimes I can even see her.
我都能闻见面包的香味。
I can even smell the aroma of bread.
我对你太了解了，我都能知道你下一步要做什么。
I know you too well. I can even tell what your next move will be.
你说的那些我都能想象得到。
I can imagine all those things that you said.
What to remember
- Look for a genuine set before translating 都 as all.
- 都 can emphasize a striking extent.
- It can frame a fact as grounds for a response.
Practise the pattern
Practise this topic with the app’s grammar exercises. Your answers and review dates are saved separately from vocabulary practice.
Practise this grammar topic ↗Look up the grammar words
Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.