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Emphasizing quantity with 都 ("dou1")

都 dōu

Adverb
HSK 2

Structure

Subj. + 都 + Verb + Obj.

Definition

强调数量时，“都”用于表示已经达到某个数量或程度，带有主观强调或惊讶的意味。

When emphasizing quantity, '都' (dōu) is used to indicate that a certain quantity or degree has been reached, often with a subjective emphasis or surprise.

Usage

通常用于“都 + 数量/时间 + 了”的结构中，表示“已经……了”，强调数量多、时间长或程度高。

It is typically used in the structure '都 + quantity/time + 了' to mean 'already', emphasizing a large amount, long time, or high degree.

Examples

  • 1 都三点了，你怎么还不睡？ (It's already three o'clock, why aren't you asleep?)
  • 2 都十个人了，座位不够了。 (There are already ten people, not enough seats.)
  • 3 他都三十岁了，还不结婚。 (He's already thirty years old and still not married.)
  • 4 都吃了五碗饭了，你还饿？ (You've already eaten five bowls of rice, are you still hungry?)
  • 5 都等了两个小时了，她还没来。 (We've already waited for two hours, and she still hasn't come.)

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