凡是 (as long as / all that)

• Pinyin: fánshì
• Formation: 凡是 + Noun (+ Modifier) + 都 / 就 / 一律 + Predicate
• Hanzi breakdown: 凡 = 几 (table) + 丶 (dot), meaning ordinary/all; 是 = 日 (sun) + 疋 (correct), meaning to be

Meaning

凡是 (fánshì) means 'all that,' 'every,' or 'as long as it is.' It introduces a universal category or condition, asserting that everything meeting the stated criterion shares the same outcome or characteristic.

凡是 creates a sweeping, categorical statement — it says 'without exception, everything that fits this description...' The result clause typically contains 都 (all), 就 (then), or 一律 (uniformly) to reinforce the universal scope. Unlike 只要 which sets a conditional ('if only...then'), 凡是 categorizes and includes all members of a group. It carries an authoritative or emphatic tone, common in regulations, proclamations, and strong assertions. The noun following 凡是 is usually modified by a relative clause or descriptor that defines the category.

Examples

1. 凡是报名参加比赛的选手都必须提前到场。 All contestants who registered for the competition must arrive early.
2. 凡是违反规定的行为一律严肃处理。 Any behavior that violates the regulations will be dealt with strictly without exception.
3. 凡是他推荐的书，我都会认真去读。 Every book he recommends, I read carefully.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal speech, regulations

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 凡是符合条件的申请者都可以参加面试。
• 凡是迟到的学生就不能进入考场。
• 凡是她做的菜，大家都抢着吃。

Don't Say

• 凡是他昨天来了。(凡是 introduces a category, not a specific event — it cannot describe a single past action) → 他昨天来了。
• 凡是下雨，我带伞。(凡是 requires 都/就/一律 in the result clause to complete the categorical statement) → 凡是下雨天，我都带伞。

Origin & History

凡是 combines 凡 (ordinary/all) and 是 (to be). In Classical Chinese, 凡 alone meant 'in all cases' or 'generally.' Adding 是 reinforced the categorical assertion, creating a stronger universal quantifier.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal