Definitions

quán (adjective) all; whole; complete; entire

Etymology

Depicts jade () that is entirely pure and flawless. Based on the original meaning "pure jade". The meaning later shifted to "complete" and "entire".

About

Denoting totality and completeness, the character 全 is structurally composed of the component 人 (person) above the component 王 (resembling king), which historically derives from the character for jade. This original composition conveyed the image of pure, flawless jade, establishing the core meaning of wholeness and integrity. This meaning later expanded from describing physically intact objects to encompass abstract concepts of totality, indicating that all parts are present or an action is comprehensive without exception. Consequently, 全 is frequently used as an adjective or adverb to emphasize absolute completion, the inclusion of every member, or the full scope of an event.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

部吃完了。

Wǒ quánbù chī wán le.

I ate all of it.

国都在庆祝。

Quánguó dōu zài qìngzhù.

The whole country is celebrating.

是最重要的。

Ānquán shì zuì zhòngyào de.

Safety is the most important.

他完不知道这件事。

Tā wánquán bù zhīdào zhè jiàn shì.

He completely doesn't know about this matter.

球气候正在变暖。

Quánqiú qìhòu zhèngzài biàn nuǎn.

The global climate is warming.

我们体成员都同意了。

Wǒmen quántǐ chéngyuán dōu tóngyì le.

All our members agreed.

这是一个新的开始。

Zhè shì yī gè quánxīn de kāishǐ.

This is a brand new start.

我们必须面考虑这个问题。

Wǒmen bìxū quánmiàn kǎolǜ zhège wèntí.

We must consider this problem comprehensively.