Demonstrative Pronouns: 各, 每, 任何
指示代词：各、各位、各种、每、任何
Use 各, 各位, 各种, 每, and 任何 to express "each," "every," "all kinds," and "any" in various contexts
各 means "each/every" and often combines with nouns directly or forms compounds like 各位 (everyone, respectful) and 各种 (all kinds). 每 means "every/each" and requires a measure word. 任何 means "any/whatever" and emphasizes unlimited scope.
各 can attach directly to certain nouns (各国, 各地) without a measure word, but 每 always needs one (每个, 每天). 任何 is more formal and emphatic than 每.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Demonstrative Pronouns: 各, 每, 任何 (指示代词：各、各位、各种、每、任何)
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Understanding 指示代词：各、各位、各种、每、任何
Chinese has several ways to say "each," "every," and "any," and choosing the right one depends on context and formality. 各 (gè) means "each" and carries a sense of individual distinction — 各国 means "each country" (implying they are all different). The compound 各位 (gèwèi) is a respectful way to address a group, similar to "ladies and gentlemen" or "dear everyone." 各种 (gèzhǒng) means "all kinds of" and emphasizes variety. 每 (měi) also means "every" but focuses on regularity and completeness — 每天 (every day), 每个人 (every person). Unlike 各, 每 almost always needs a measure word. 任何 (rènhé) means "any" and is the most emphatic — it stresses that there are absolutely no exceptions. 任何时候 means "at any time whatsoever." Understanding the nuances between these words will make your Chinese much more precise.
Key Points
- 各 (gè) = "each" with a sense of individuality. Can attach directly to some nouns: 各国, 各地, 各班.
- 各位 (gèwèi) = "everyone" (respectful address). Used at the start of speeches: 各位老师, 各位同学.
- 各种 (gèzhǒng) = "all kinds of; various." Emphasizes variety: 各种各样 = "all sorts."
- 每 (měi) = "every; each." Needs a measure word: 每个人, 每天, 每次.
- 每 often pairs with 都: 我每天都运动 = "I exercise every day."
- 任何 (rènhé) = "any; whatever." More formal, emphasizes no exceptions: 任何人都可以参加.
- 任何 often pairs with 都: 任何困难都不怕 = "Not afraid of any difficulty."
The phrase 各位朋友 (gèwèi péngyou, "dear friends") is a standard opening for speeches, presentations, and even restaurant announcements in China. It is warm but formal, striking a balance between friendliness and respect. You will hear it in airports, on trains, at conferences, and at banquets.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我们班的同学来自世界各国。
Our classmates come from countries all over the world.
各位朋友，下午好！
Dear friends, good afternoon!
Formal group address
这儿有各种颜色的花。
There are flowers of all kinds of colors here.
我每个星期天都去爬山。
I go hiking every Sunday.
我们任何时候都要注意保护环境。
We must pay attention to protecting the environment at all times.
每个人都有自己的想法。
Everyone has their own ideas.
各地的风俗习惯不一样。
Customs and habits differ from place to place.
任何困难都不能阻止我们。
No difficulty can stop us.
Common Mistakes
每 requires a measure word before the noun. Say 每个人, not *每人. (Note: 每天 and 每年 are exceptions because 天 and 年 act as their own measure words.)
各位 already implies a group of people. Adding ～们 is redundant.
任何 connects directly to the noun without 的. Say 任何时候, not *任何的时候.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 各 when you want to emphasize that each item is distinct or different (各国 = each country has its own character).
Use 每 when you want to emphasize regularity or completeness (每天 = every single day, no exceptions).
Use 任何 when you want to be emphatic and absolute — it is the strongest of the three.
各位 is your go-to phrase for addressing groups politely. Practice using it when speaking to classmates or colleagues.
Homework
Write a short speech (5-8 sentences) that begins with 各位同学 and uses 每, 各种, and 任何 at least once each. The topic can be about learning Chinese or any other subject you care about.