01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
我们三个都带了水。
All three of us brought water.
我们三个 names the group before 都.
这两个箱子都很轻。
Both of these suitcases are light.
A group of two naturally translates as “both.”
这些店都不收现金。
None of these shops accept cash.
都不 makes the negative true of every shop in the group.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
Use 都 when the whole group shares an action or description. The group normally comes before 都: the three of us are ready, both bags are light, or all these shops sell tea. The word is placed before the verb or adjective phrase, not attached to the noun like English “all.”
Make the group clear. It can be a plural pronoun such as 我们, a numbered phrase such as 这两家店, or a list of people. 都 looks back to that group and tells the reader how widely the statement applies. With two members, the natural English translation is often “both.”
Be careful when you combine 都 with negation. 都不 says that the negative applies to the whole group: none of them do it. 不都 denies that the whole group does it: not all of them do. Word order changes the scope of the meaning, so read the full phrase before deciding what is being claimed.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid我们喝都热茶。
Use我们都喝热茶。
To say “We all drink hot tea,” put 都 before the verb 喝. The group 我们 stays in front, so the listener knows who is included.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 箱子 | xiāngzi | suitcase; box |
| 轻 | qīng | light in weight |
| 现金 | xiànjīn | cash |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
