Definition
全 (quán) as an adjective means 'whole, entire' and directly modifies nouns (e.g., 全校 'the whole school'). It is broader than 整个 (zhěng gè), which emphasizes a single unit, and 整 (zhěng), which often implies completeness. As an adverb, 全 means 'completely, entirely' and is more colloquial than 完全 (wán quán); unlike 都 (dōu), which indicates 'all' of a group, 全 focuses on the completeness of an action.
adjective
wholeentireall
adverb
completelyentirely
Easily confused
- 班bānlook-alike(noun) class, grade (in school)
- 权quánsound-alikepower; authority
- 呈chénglook-aliketo submit (to a superior); to formally present
- 拳quánsound-alikefist
- 玉yùlook-alikejade (a precious stone, often culturally symbolic in Chinese contexts)
- 劝quànsound-aliketo urge, to try to persuade
- 券quànsound-alike(noun) ticket, voucher, coupon
Examples
- 全。quán xiào de xuéshēng dōu lái le.The students from the whole school have all come.
- 全。Wǒ bǎ zuòyè quán zuò wán le.I've completely finished the homework.
- 。quán jiā rén yìqǐ qù gōngyuán le.The whole family went to the park together.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 4 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.