Scope Adverb: 凡 (all/every — formal)
范围副词：凡
Use 凡 to express "all / every" in formal declarations, rules, and universal statements
凡 introduces a universal scope — "all / every / anyone who." It sets up a condition that applies to everyone or everything meeting the stated criteria, often paired with 都 or 皆 in the main clause. It is characteristic of laws, regulations, and formal universal statements.
凡 is more formal than 所有 (suǒyǒu, all). It has a declarative, almost legislative tone. The variant 凡是 (fánshì) is slightly more conversational but still formal. The common expression 凡事 (fánshì) means "in all matters / everything."
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Scope Adverb: 凡 (all/every — formal) (范围副词：凡)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 范围副词：凡 pattern
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Understanding 范围副词：凡
When a Chinese law begins with 凡年满十八岁的公民, it is making a universal declaration about every citizen who meets the age requirement. 凡 (fán) is a powerful scope adverb meaning "all / every / anyone who" — it draws a line and says: everything on this side of the line is included, no exceptions. This is the language of laws, regulations, school rules, and formal universal statements. In everyday life, you encounter 凡 in the expression 凡事 (fánshì, in all things / everything): 凡事自己努力去做就好 means "In all matters, just do your best." 凡 carries an authority and finality that 所有 (all) and 每 (every) do not quite match. It announces a principle rather than merely listing items. Understanding 凡 helps you read legal texts, understand regulations, and write powerful universal statements.
Key Points
- 凡 (fán) = "all / every / anyone who / in all cases" — formal scope adverb.
- Sets up a universal condition: 凡 + condition clause + 都/皆 + result.
- 凡是 (fánshì) is an extended variant — slightly more accessible but still formal.
- 凡事 (fánshì) = "in all matters / everything" — a common standalone expression.
- Often paired with 都 or 皆 in the following clause: 凡年满十八岁的公民都有……
- Characteristic of legal, regulatory, and rule-making language.
- More authoritative than 所有 (all) or 每 (every).
The Chinese legal system relies heavily on 凡 to establish universal applicability. The Constitution and major laws use 凡 to declare that certain rights or obligations apply to all qualifying individuals. This usage has ancient roots — Classical Chinese legal texts used 凡 in exactly the same way, demonstrating remarkable linguistic continuity.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
凡事自己努力去做就好。
In all matters, just do your best.
Common life wisdom expression
凡年龄满十八岁的公民都有选举与被选举的权利。
All citizens who have reached the age of eighteen have the right to vote and to be elected.
Constitutional/legal language
凡是报名参加的选手都会获得一份纪念品。
All contestants who register will receive a souvenir.
凡违反规定者，一律取消资格。
Anyone who violates the regulations will be disqualified without exception.
凡事要三思而后行。
In all matters, think thrice before acting.
Classical proverb
凡购买本产品的顾客均可享受三年保修。
All customers who purchase this product may enjoy a three-year warranty.
Common Mistakes
凡人 (fánrén) is a fixed word meaning "mortal / ordinary person," not "every person." To say "everyone," use 所有人 or 凡是人 with a condition clause.
凡/凡是 sets up a condition that requires a 都/皆 clause to complete the meaning.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Memorize 凡事 as a fixed expression — it appears in countless Chinese proverbs and pieces of advice.
When writing rules or policies, start with 凡 to give them an authoritative, official tone.
The pattern 凡……都/皆…… is a template: 凡 + who/what qualifies, 都/皆 + what applies to them.
Read the Chinese Constitution (中华人民共和国宪法) — you will find 凡 in many articles declaring universal rights and duties.
Homework
Write five rules for an imaginary school, club, or organization using 凡 or 凡是 to begin each rule. Then write three sentences using 凡事 to express life wisdom or advice.