Comparing "dou" and "quan"
都 (dōu) and 全 (quán) both are adverbs that mean "all." Sometimes they can be used interchangeably, and sometimes they can even be used together as 全部 (quán dōu). Both words are used in informal and formal settings. Only 都 can also be used to mean "(not) at all" (usually used in the negative for emphasis) or "already." Only 全 can be used as an adjective to mean "complete" or "entire."
都 (dōu) | 全 (quán) | |
---|---|---|
Meaning | all; at all; already | all; complete, entire |
Part of Speech | adverb | adverb, adjective |
Formality | flexible | flexible |
Sources and further reading
Books
Websites
对外汉语教学:怎么区别“都”和“全”? - Chinese Fever的文章 - 知乎 https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/215968679