每 vs 各 (měi vs gè): every vs each
每 (měi) means 'every' and emphasizes uniformity across all members of a group, often paired with 都 (dōu) to express 'all without exception'. 各 (gè) means 'each' and stresses individuality or distinctness, though it can also appear with 都 to indicate that a condition applies to each member individually. The core distinction lies in collective vs. individual perspective, not in compatibility with 都.
每 (měi) and 各 (gè) are both distributive determiners, but they differ in focus: 每 views members of a set as a uniform whole (collective 'every'), while 各 views them as separate individuals (emphatic 'each'). 每 almost always requires a classifier (e.g., 每个, 每天) and is commonly followed by 都 to reinforce universality. 各 attaches directly to certain nouns (e.g., 各国, 各人) or classifiers (e.g., 各个, 各种) and emphasizes distinctness, but contrary to a common misconception, 各 can indeed be used with 都 (e.g., 各国都有) to mean 'each and every one has'. The choice between them depends on whether you want to stress 'all alike' (每) or 'each individually' (各).
When to use each
Use 每 to express 'every' in a collective sense, emphasizing that the same property holds for all members. It must be followed by a classifier or measure word (e.g., 每个, 每天, 每次). 每 is often accompanied by 都 to indicate 'all without exception' (e.g., 每个人都知道).
In time expressions like 每天, 每年, 每次, 每 is the standard choice; 各 is not used. Additionally, 每 can sometimes appear without a classifier in verb phrases (e.g., 每来一次) but this is a fixed pattern.
Use 各 to emphasize the individuality of each member in a group. 各 often attaches directly to nouns (e.g., 各国, 各人, 各地) or to classifiers like 个 and 种 (e.g., 各个, 各种). It can also appear in set phrases such as 各自 (each one himself/herself) and 各有所长 (each has its strengths).
各 is slightly more formal than 每 and is common in written or official language. Contrary to some claims, 各 can combine with 都 to mean 'each and every' (e.g., 各人都有自由). However, 各+都 is optional and less frequent than 每+都.
At a glance
| 每 | 各 | |
|---|---|---|
| Core meaning | Every (collective, uniform) | Each (individual, distinct) |
| Classifier requirement | Must be followed by a classifier or measure word (e.g., 每个, 每天) | Can attach directly to nouns (e.g., 各国) or to a few classifiers (e.g., 各个) |
| Use with 都 | Very common and natural (e.g., 每个人都来了) | Possible but less frequent; adds individual emphasis (e.g., 各国都有) |
| Formality | Neutral, used in both speech and writing | Slightly formal, common in official or written language |
| Time expressions | Standard (e.g., 每天, 每年) | Not used (e.g., 各天 is incorrect) |
| Alone as a determiner | Cannot stand alone; always requires a noun or classifier | Can stand before certain nouns without a classifier (e.g., 各人, 各地) |
Examples
- 每每个人都有自己的梦想。Měi gè rén dōu yǒu zìjǐ de mèngxiǎng.Every person has their own dream.Uses 每 with classifier 个 and 都 to emphasize 'all people without exception'.
- 各各国都有不同的法律。Gè guó dōu yǒu bùtóng de fǎlǜ.Each country has different laws.Uses 各 directly with 国, and 都 is used to stress that this applies to every country individually.
- 每我每天跑步锻炼。Wǒ měi tiān pǎobù duànliàn.I run every day for exercise.Time expression 每天 is a fixed use of 每; 各 cannot replace it.
- 各各有所长，各有所短。Gè yǒu suǒ cháng, gè yǒu suǒ duǎn.Each has strengths and weaknesses.Set phrase using 各 alone (without classifier) to emphasize individual differences.
- 每每个人都应该遵守规则。Měi gè rén dōu yīnggāi zūnshǒu guīzé.Everyone should follow the rules.Uniform application: 'every person' without highlighting individuality.
- 各各地气候不同。Gè dì qìhòu bùtóng.The climate is different in each place.Uses 各 + 地 to emphasize that each place is distinct.
Common mistakes
- Using 各 for time expressions: '各天' is unnatural; use 每天 for 'every day'.
- Omitting the classifier after 每: '每学生' is wrong; must say '每个学生'.
- Using 各 alone as a subject without a noun (e.g., '各来了') except in fixed phrases; '各' needs a noun or classifier (e.g., 各位, 各国).
- Thinking 各 cannot be used with 都: in fact, 各 can combine with 都 (e.g., 各国都有), though it is less common than 每+都.
FAQ
- When do I use 每 vs 各?
- Use 每 when you want to say 'every' in a collective sense, often with 都 to mean 'all without exception'. Use 各 when you want to emphasize 'each' as an individual, especially when the members are distinct or have different properties. For example, in '每天' (every day) use 每; in '各国' (each country, emphasizing different laws) use 各.
- Can 各 be used with 都?
- Yes, 各 can be used with 都, though it is less common than 每+都. When 各+都 is used, it adds emphasis that the statement applies to each and every individual (e.g., '各国都有不同的法律' – each country has different laws). This is perfectly correct and natural.
- Do I always need a classifier after 每?
- In most cases, yes. 每 must be followed by a classifier or measure word when it modifies a noun (e.g., 每个, 每天, 每次). However, in fixed patterns like '每来一次' (every time one comes), 每 is directly before a verb, but this is an exception. In standard usage, never write '每学生'; always use '每个学生'.
- Is there a difference in formality between 每 and 各?
- Yes, 各 is slightly more formal and is common in written, official, or academic language. 每 is neutral and used in both speech and writing. For example, official documents might use '各国' and '各地' where spoken Chinese might prefer '每个国家' and '每个地方'.