凡是

• Pinyin: fán shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 凡 = outline of a plate/tray — ordinary, all encompassing; 是 = is

Meaning

All; any; every; whatever. An emphatic adverb meaning 'all that' or 'whatever/whoever (meets a condition).'

Used to introduce a universal statement or rule that applies to all cases meeting a certain condition. Structure: 凡是 + condition + 都/就... (All who... will...). Common in formal statements, rules, and generalizations. More emphatic than just 所有 (all).

Examples

1. 凡是报名参加比赛的同学都可以获得一份纪念品。 All students who sign up for the competition can receive a souvenir.
2. 凡是在本店消费满一百元的顾客都能享受八折优惠。 Any customer who spends over 100 yuan at our store can enjoy a 20% discount.
3. 凡是他做过的事情，都会留下详细的记录。 Everything he has done is documented in detail.

Usage Guide

Context: rules, policies, generalizations

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 凡是符合条件的都可以申请。(Anyone who meets the requirements can apply.)
• 凡是违反规定的一律处罚。(Anyone who violates the rules will be punished without exception.)

Don't Say

• 在日常口语中过度使用凡是 (Don't overuse 凡是 in casual speech — it sounds like official announcements; use 所有 or 每个 instead)

Origin & History

Compound of 凡 (ordinary, all) + 是 (is). 凡 originally meant 'ordinary/common' and extended to mean 'all common cases.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal