Lesson 42: Quantifiers (mỗi, mọi, vài, nhiều)

When you don't need an exact number, you use quantifiers to describe amounts.

Individual focus with "mỗi"

Mỗi means "each." It focuses on the individual members of a group separately.

Mỗi người một ý.
"Each person (has) one opinion."

Tôi đi học mỗi ngày.
"I go to school each day."

Total focus with "mọi"

Mọi means "every" or "all." It treats the group as a collective whole.

Mọi thứ đều tốt.
"Every thing is good. (Everything is fine)."

Chào mọi người.
"Hello every person (everyone)."

Indefinite sets with "vài"

Vài implies a small, indefinite number ("a few," "some," "several").

Chờ vài phút.
"Wait a few minutes."

Tôi có vài câu hỏi.
"I have a few questions."

Broad Amounts with "nhiều / ít"

Nhiều (many/much) and ít (few/little) function almost like adjectives.

Ở đây có nhiều xe.
"Here has many vehicles."

Ăn ít thôi.
"Eat little (only)."

Examples

Mỗi sáng tôi đều uống cà phê.
"Each morning I drink coffee."

Cảm ơn mọi người.
"Thank you every one."

Note on nuance

Use mỗi when you want to highlight distinctions ("Each student has a different book"). Use mọi when you want to highlight unity ("Every student passed"). And with that, you have completed the core grammar guide!