皆

Denotes totality; indicates that every member of a specified group shares the same state or performs the same action (collective uniformity).

Typically functions as an adverb of totality following the subject ([Subject] + 皆), confirming that the subsequent predicate applies universally to the introduced group.

• 皆 vs. 各 (//gè//): 皆 is collective (shared state/action of the whole); 各 is distributive (individual members and their respective actions).
• 皆 vs. 凡 (//fán//): 凡 usually introduces a general category or sets a premise ("As for all [category]..."); 皆 confirms the totality of a specific group within a statement.
• 皆 vs. 悉 (//xī//): While both mean "all," 皆 refers to the totality of members in a group, whereas 悉 emphasizes exhaustiveness—that an action was completed entirely or knowledge is comprehensive.

Primary quantifier for "all" in early texts. In later periods, 都 (//dōu//) assumed this role; in very early contexts, 都 typically refers to a "capital city" or the act of "accumulating."