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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 共 (gòng) to express "altogether" or "in total"

    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    Subject + 共 + Verb + Number + Measure Word + Noun

    Explanation

    The word 共 (gòng) means "altogether" or "in total" and is used to express a combined quantity. It is placed before the verb or number to indicate the sum of something. For example, 共有两个儿子 means "have two sons in total."

    Examples

    • 我们班共有三十个学生。

      wǒmen bān gòng yǒu sānshí gè xuéshēng.

      There are thirty students in our class in total.

    • 这次旅行共花了五千块钱。

      zhè cì lǚxíng gòng huā le wǔqiān kuài qián.

      This trip cost five thousand yuan in total.

    • 他共写了三本小说。

      tā gòng xiě le sān běn xiǎoshuō.

      He wrote three novels in total.

    Using 共 (gòng) to express "altogether" or "in total" | Chinese Grammar