HSKReadyGet the appHSK 4 · Word classes › Adverbs › Scope adverbs
HSK 4 Scope Adverbs (范围副词): 共, 全, 光, 仅, 仅仅, and 至少
Scope adverbs (范围副词) define how much of a group, quantity, or condition is included in a statement. In the Level 4 syllabus outline, six key adverbs cover three main functions: expressing totals or completeness (共, 全), restricting scope to a single part or small amount (光, 仅, 仅仅), and setting a minimum baseline (至少).
这次会议共持续了三天。
共 sums up the total duration (三天) following the verb.
× 大家共同意这个新计划。
Unsuitable as the ordinary neutral wording for the intended meaning “all members agree.” Use 全 or 都, as in the linked revision. This is a word-choice contrast; 共 can mean “jointly” in conventional expressions such as 共商 or 共建 without a numerical total.
Corrected example: 大家全同意这个新计划。
Read the full explanation and examples
What Scope Adverbs Do in Level 4 Grammar
In Mandarin, scope adverbs (范围副词) indicate the boundaries of an action, state, or quantity. In the Level 4 grammar syllabus, six core items are grouped together: 共, 全, 光, 仅, 仅仅, and 至少. While English often places words like "only," "all," or "at least" in various positions around the sentence, Chinese scope adverbs typically appear directly before the verb phrase, adjective, or specific noun phrase they limit.
- Totaling and completeness: 共 (altogether, in total) and 全 (all, completely).
- Restriction and exclusivity: 光 (merely, just), 仅 (only, solely), and 仅仅 (merely, only).
- Minimum baseline: 至少 (at least).
Expressing Totals and Completeness: 共 vs. 全
In its totaling use, 共 introduces a combined amount or duration, as in 共持续了三天. This is close to 一共 and is compact in written reports. 共 also has a “jointly” use in established phrases such as 共商 and 共建; those do not need a following numerical total.
这次会议共持续了三天。
共 sums up the total duration (三天) following the verb.
全, by contrast, points backward to a plural subject or a whole entity and states that 100% of that group is included in the action or state. It does not require a number in the predicate, and in spoken or written Chinese it frequently pairs with 都 (as 全都) for stronger rhythm.
桌子上的点心全被孩子们吃完了。
全 refers to the entirety of the snacks without needing a numerical count.
× 大家共同意这个新计划。
Unsuitable as the ordinary neutral wording for the intended meaning “all members agree.” Use 全 or 都, as in the linked revision. This is a word-choice contrast; 共 can mean “jointly” in conventional expressions such as 共商 or 共建 without a numerical total.
Corrected example: 大家全同意这个新计划。
大家全同意这个新计划。
Correct replacement for the learner error: 全 properly indicates that every person in the group agrees.
Narrowing the Scope: 光, 仅, and 仅仅
When you want to narrow the scope to mean "only" or "merely," choosing among 光, 仅, and 仅仅 depends heavily on formality and sentence rhythm. 光 is decidedly conversational. A very common pattern places 光 directly before a noun or verb phrase, followed by 就 in the predicate, to highlight that one single part alone already accounts for a big result or cost.
光报名费就要五百块，太贵了。
光...就... highlights that one single expense is already very high.
仅 and 仅仅 both restrict scope. 仅 is compact and common in notices and reports, including phrases such as 仅限 and 仅有. 仅仅 can add emphasis to how limited an amount or condition is. Their choice depends on the phrase and intended tone, not a blanket rule that one is always more flexible.
这张票仅限今天使用。
仅限 is a concise, formal collocation commonly seen on tickets and notices.
他仅仅学了两个月中文，就能看懂这封信。
仅仅 emphasizes how short the two-month period is.
Setting a Minimum Baseline: 至少
至少 sets a lower boundary, translating to "at least." It works in two distinct ways. First, it can introduce a minimum numerical quantity, duration, or frequency—placed before a verb or modal verb such as 需要 (need), 要 (require), or 有 (have).
完成这个项目至少需要两个星期。
至少 sets a minimum numerical duration.
Second, 至少 can act as a rhetorical or evaluative baseline when a situation is not ideal. In this use, it means "at least (one comforting fact remains true)," and it can appear either right before the verb or before the subject of the second clause.
虽然没拿到第一名，但至少我们已经尽力了。
至少 introduces a comforting baseline fact before the subject 我们.
Quick Selection Guide for Learners
When choosing among these six scope adverbs in writing or speaking, check three factors: whether you are adding up a number, whether the tone is formal or casual, and whether you are setting a ceiling or a floor.
- Use 共 to state a combined total; distinguish this from its “jointly” meaning in phrases such as 共建.
- Use 全 when stating that an entire group or item is affected without needing to calculate a numerical sum.
- Use 光 in casual speech, especially in the pattern 光...就... to show that one single item already creates a big effect.
- Use 仅 in brief announcements, rules, or formal writing, and 仅仅 when you want a fuller two-syllable word to stress "merely" or "nothing more than."
- Use 至少 to mark the lowest acceptable number or a positive fallback in a disappointing situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between 共 and 一共?
They share the same core meaning of "altogether" or "in total" before a numerical quantity. However, 一共 is common in both everyday speech and writing, whereas single-syllable 共 is more compact and appears more frequently in written summaries, reports, and formal announcements.
Can 光 be placed directly before a noun?
Yes. Unlike many adverbs that only precede verbs, 光 frequently appears directly before a topic or subject noun phrase when paired with 就 later in the clause (for example, 光报名费就要五百块) to single out that specific noun.
Does 至少 go before or after the subject?
When modifying a required quantity or action, 至少 usually goes after the subject and before the verb or modal verb. When making a concessive statement about a whole situation, it can also appear before the subject of the clause.
