pronoun / determiner HSK 3
each · every · various · respective
Meaning
各 is a distributive pronoun meaning 'each' or 'every,' emphasizing individual members within a group. It indicates that something applies separately to each item or person, highlighting their distinct or individual nature.
Usage
各 typically appears before nouns or measure words to mean 'each' or 'every.' It's commonly used in formal writing and speech. Native speakers often use it in patterns like 各种 (all kinds of), 各位 (everyone/ladies and gentlemen), and 各自 (each one's own/respectively). It emphasizes distribution or individuality within a collective.
Examples
- 01各位同学,请安静。, .Everyone (students), please be quiet.
- 02我们各有各的想法。.We each have our own ideas.
Common collocations
- 各种various kinds of
- 各位everyone, ladies and gentlemen
- 各自each, respectively
- 各地various places
Antonyms
Origin
The character 各 originally depicted a person arriving at a place (夂) to speak (口), suggesting the idea of individuals coming separately or each person having their own perspective.