一切

• Pinyin: yī qiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = a single horizontal stroke representing the number one; 切 = 七 (seven, phonetic) + 刀 (knife)

Meaning

Everything; all; every. A formal pronoun indicating the totality of things.

Used to refer to all things without exception in a given context. More literary and emphatic than 所有 or 全部. Often appears in emotional or dramatic statements. Common in both spoken and written Chinese, especially in encouraging or solemn expressions like 一切都会好的 (everything will be fine).

Examples

1. 一切都准备好了，可以出发了。 Everything is ready; we can set off now.
2. 不用担心，一切都会好起来的。 Don't worry; everything will get better.
3. 她为了孩子愿意放弃一切。 She is willing to give up everything for her children.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, emotional expression, formal

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 祝你一切顺利！(Wish you all the best!)
• 一切都过去了，别再想了。(It's all in the past; don't think about it anymore.)

Don't Say

• 一切的人都来了。(Don't use 一切 to modify people — use 所有 instead. 一切 modifies abstract things or situations, not countable people.)

Origin & History

一 (one) + 切 (to cut/slice). Originally 'one cut' implied 'across the board' or 'without exception', evolving into the meaning of 'everything'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal