adverb HSK 2
altogether · in total · all told
Meaning
一共 is used to indicate the total sum or complete amount of something. It typically appears before a number or quantity to emphasize the final count or total. The word combines 一 (one) with 共 (together/altogether) to express 'all together as one total.'
Usage
Commonly used in daily transactions, counting, and summarizing situations. It often appears in statements about prices, quantities, or groups of people. Native speakers typically place it at the beginning of a clause or directly before the number being totaled. Very natural in shopping, restaurant, and mathematical contexts.
Examples
- 01这些东西一共五十块钱。.These things are fifty yuan altogether.
- 02我们班一共有三十个学生。.Our class has thirty students in total.
Characters
Common collocations
- 一共多少钱how much altogether?
- 一共有there are ... in total
- 一共...个...... in total (for general items)
Origin
Formed by combining 一 (one) with 共 (together), literally meaning 'one together' or 'unified total,' which naturally evolved to mean 'altogether' or 'in total.'