When learning English, one of the most common questions is how to translate the Chinese word "所有人" into English. The answer depends on the context, as English has multiple words that can convey similar meanings. Below, we explore the most accurate translations and their proper usage.
The Most Common Translation: "Everyone" or "Everybody"
The simplest and most natural way to say "所有人" in English is:
- Everyone
- Everybody
These words are interchangeable and mean "every person" in a general sense.
Examples:
- "Everyone is welcome to join the meeting." (所有人都可以参加会议。)
- "Everybody needs to submit their reports by Friday." (所有人需要在周五前提交报告。)
When to Use "Everyone" vs. "Everybody"
- "Everyone" is slightly more formal, often used in written English.
- "Everybody" is more casual, frequently used in spoken English.
"All People" – A More Literal Translation
If you want to emphasize "all individuals", you can say:
- All people
This phrase is more explicit but less commonly used in everyday conversation.
Example:
- "All people have the right to express their opinions." (所有人都有权表达自己的观点。)
"All" – A Short and Direct Option
In some cases, "all" alone can mean "所有人", especially when the subject is clear.
Examples:
- "All must follow the rules." (所有人都必须遵守规则。)
- "All are invited to the party." (所有人都被邀请参加派对。)
"Every Person" – For Emphasis on Individuals
If you want to stress "each individual", use:
- Every person
Example:
- "Every person in the room must sign the agreement." (房间里的所有人都必须签署协议。)
Formal and Legal Contexts: "All Persons" or "All Individuals"
In legal, academic, or official documents, "所有人" may be translated as:
- All persons
- All individuals
Examples:
- "All persons entering the building must show ID." (进入大楼的所有人都必须出示身份证件。)
- "All individuals involved will be notified." (所有相关人员都将被通知。)
"The Whole Group" – For Collective Reference
If referring to "everyone in a specific group", you can say:
- The whole group
- The entire team
Examples:
- "The whole group agreed on the decision." (所有人都同意这个决定。)
- "The entire team must attend the training." (所有人都必须参加培训。)
"All of Them" – When Referring to a Known Group
If the group has been mentioned earlier, you can say:
- All of them
Example:
- "There were 50 participants, and all of them completed the survey." (有50名参与者，所有人都完成了调查。)
"Anybody" and "Anyone" – In Questions or Negative Sentences
For questions or negative statements, "anybody" or "anyone" can sometimes function similarly to "所有人".
Examples:
- "Does anyone know the answer?" (有人知道答案吗？)
- "Nobody was left behind." (所有人都没有被落下。)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Using "All people" when "everyone" sounds more natural.
- ❌ "All people should arrive on time." (Less natural)
- ✅ "Everyone should arrive on time." (More natural)
-
Confusing "everyone" (one word) with "every one" (two words).
- "Everyone" = All people.
- "Every one" = Each individual item/person (e.g., "Every one of these books is valuable.")
-
Overusing "all persons" in casual conversation.
This phrase is mostly for legal or formal contexts.
Practical Usage in Sentences
To help you master these translations, here are more examples:
| Chinese | English |
|---|---|
| 所有人都必须遵守法律。 | Everyone must obey the law. |
| 所有人都到齐了吗？ | Is everybody here? |
| 这个决定会影响所有人。 | This decision will affect all people. |
| 所有人都同意这个计划。 | The whole group agreed on the plan. |
| 所有人都拿到了证书。 | All of them received certificates. |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right English word for "所有人" depends on the context. "Everyone" and "everybody" are the most common in daily speech, while "all people" or "all persons" may be used in formal writing. If referring to a specific group, "the whole team" or "all of them" works well.
By understanding these variations, you can communicate more naturally in English. Whether speaking or writing, selecting the best term ensures clarity and precision.
