Meaning and Usage
The word 一切 (yī qiè) means "everything" or "all" and is used to refer to the entirety of things, situations, or matters. It often emphasizes completeness or totality.
Common Contexts
一切 is frequently used in formal or written contexts but is also common in spoken Mandarin when stressing that nothing is excluded. It can refer to tangible objects, abstract concepts, or situations.
Typical Collocations
- 一切都 (yīqiè dōu): emphasizes that absolutely everything is included.
- 过去的一切 (guòqù de yīqiè): everything from the past.
- 为了一切 (wèile yīqiè): for everything, often implying a cause or motivation.
Usage Notes
When using 一切, it often appears with 都 (dōu) to stress total inclusion, but it can stand alone. It is more formal than some synonyms like 所有 (suǒyǒu). Avoid confusing 一切 with 一些 (yīxiē), which means "some" rather than "all."
Summary
Use 一切 when you want to express the idea of "everything" in a comprehensive and sometimes formal way. It is versatile for both concrete and abstract references and often appears in phrases emphasizing completeness or totality.