每 + MW + Noun (every)

• Pinyin: měi
• Formation: 每 + Measure Word + Noun + 都 + Verb Phrase
• Hanzi breakdown: 每 = 𠂉 (hair ornament) + 母 (mother)

Meaning

Use 每 (měi) before a measure word and noun to express 'every' or 'each.' It is commonly paired with 都 (dōu) in the predicate to emphasize that the statement applies to all instances without exception.

每 functions like 'every' or 'each' in English and must be followed by a measure word before the noun, just as any quantifier in Chinese requires a measure word. The most common pattern is 每 + MW + Noun + 都 + VP, where 都 reinforces the universal meaning. For example, 每个学生都很努力 means 'every student works hard.' Without 都, the sentence may sound incomplete or less natural. Common combinations include 每天 (every day), 每年 (every year), 每个人 (every person), 每次 (every time), and 每件事 (every matter). Note that 每天 and 每年 do not require an additional measure word because 天 and 年 function as both nouns and time measure words.

Examples

1. 每个人都有自己的想法。 Everyone has their own ideas.
2. 她每天早上都跑步。 She goes running every morning.
3. 每门课我都认真学了。 I studied every subject carefully.

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 每个周末他都去图书馆看书。
• 每种颜色我都喜欢。
• 她每年都会回老家过春节。

Don't Say

• 每人都来了。(每 requires a measure word before most nouns — say 每个人都来了) → 每个人都来了。
• 每天我去上班。(When using 每 to express universality, 都 should not be omitted from the predicate — say 每天我都去上班) → 每天我都去上班。

Origin & History

The character 每 originally depicted a woman with a headdress, representing abundance or fertility. Over time, its meaning shifted to 'every' or 'each,' reflecting the idea of something that applies universally or repeatedly.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal