统统

• Pinyin: tǒng tǒng
• Hanzi breakdown: 统 = 纟(silk) + 充 — to unify, all (reduplicated for emphasis)

Meaning

All; entirely; without exception; the whole lot.

An emphatic adverb meaning everything or everyone without any exceptions. Often used for dramatic effect or to emphasize completeness. More colloquial and emphatic than 全部 or 都.

Examples

1. 过期的东西统统扔掉，别舍不得。 Throw out all the expired stuff — don't be reluctant to let it go.
2. 他把欠的钱统统还清了，终于能睡个好觉了。 He paid back all the money he owed — finally he can get a good night's sleep.
3. 不符合标准的产品统统要退回，一个都不能放过。 Products that don't meet standards must all be returned — not a single one can slip through.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday speech, emphatic statements

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 统统拿走。(Take them all.)
• 统统不要。(Don't want any of them.)

Don't Say

• 在正式文书中使用'统统' (In formal writing, use 全部 or 一律 instead of the colloquial 统统)

Origin & History

Reduplication of 统 (to unify, all) for emphasis — completely, entirely.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal