皆

• Pinyin: jiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 皆 = 比 (to compare; two people side by side) + 白 (white; to speak) — all together

Meaning

All; every; without exception. A classical adverb indicating totality.

A more literary and formal alternative to 都. Commonly appears in idioms (皆大欢喜, 尽人皆知) and written language. While understood by all speakers, using it in casual conversation sounds overly formal or deliberately literary. Often creates an emphatic, absolute tone.

Examples

1. 此事尽人皆知，没必要再解释。 This matter is known to all; there's no need to explain further.
2. 比赛结果皆大欢喜，双方球迷都很满意。 The result of the match was satisfactory to everyone, and fans on both sides were happy.
3. 世间万物皆有其存在的道理。 All things in the world have their reason for existing.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, idioms, written

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 有志者事竟成，皆因坚持不懈。(Where there's a will, there's a way — all because of perseverance.)
• 与会者皆表示支持。(All attendees expressed support.)

Don't Say

• 日常口语中用'皆'代替'都' (Don't use 皆 instead of 都 in casual speech — 皆 sounds overly literary; say 我们都去 not 我们皆去)

Origin & History

An ancient character showing two people standing side by side (比) above 白, representing everyone speaking together or agreement among all.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated speakers