Usage of 全体
The word 全体 (quántǐ) refers to the whole or entire group of people or things. It is often used to emphasize inclusiveness, meaning 'all members' or 'everyone' in a group.
Common contexts
- Referring to all members of a group: 全体员工 (all employees), 全体成员 (all members).
- Summarizing or giving an overall view: 全体来说 (overall).
Collocations and patterns
- 全体员工 (all employees): used in workplace or organizational contexts.
- 全体成员 (all members): common in clubs, teams, or event groups.
- 全体来说 (overall): used to give a general summary or conclusion.
Nuances
全体 stresses the completeness of the group without exception. It is more formal than just saying 大家 (everyone) and is often used in written or formal spoken Chinese.
Common confusion
Do not confuse 全体 with 整个 (whole/entire) which often refers to objects or abstract concepts rather than groups of people.