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Vocabulary
无论...都...

A2 conjunction #3,500 most common 11 min read

无论...都...

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 无论...都... in 30 Seconds

Explanation 无论...都... in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to connect ideas. '无论...都...' might be a bit complex, but you can understand it as a way to say 'no matter what.' Think of it as a super-connector. You already know '都' (all/both). Now, you are adding '无论' to the front to show that the 'all' applies to every possible situation. For example, if you know '谁' (who), you can understand '无论谁都...' as 'no matter who... all...'. Focus on the fact that the second part of the sentence always needs '都'. It's like a pair of shoes; you can't wear one without the other. At this stage, just recognize the pattern when you see it in simple sentences about daily life, like weather or food. Don't worry too much about the complex 'A or B' structures yet; just focus on '无论 + [Question Word] + 都'.

At the A2 level, you are ready to start using '无论...都...' in your own speaking. This is the stage where you learn that '无论' must be followed by a choice or a question word. You can't just say '无论今天.' You have to say '无论今天还是明天' (No matter today or tomorrow). This is a great way to make your sentences sound more advanced. Instead of saying 'If it rains, I go. If it doesn't rain, I go,' you can combine them: '无论下不下雨，我都去.' This makes your Chinese much more efficient. You should practice the three main forms: 1. Using question words (什么, 谁, 哪儿). 2. Using '还是' (this or that). 3. Using the 'Verb-not-Verb' (去不去) structure. Remember, '无论' is the formal version of '不管,' which you might also hear. Using '无论' correctly will make you sound very polite and well-educated.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the basic structures and start using '无论' to express more abstract ideas. You can use it to describe degrees, such as '无论多忙' (no matter how busy) or '无论多远' (no matter how far). This is also the time to distinguish between '无论' and '虽然.' Remember that '虽然' is for things that are actually happening, while '无论' is for any possibility. You should also start noticing '无论' in more formal contexts, like news reports or short stories. Try to use it to express your opinions more strongly. For example, '无论你怎么想，我都要坚持我的决定' (No matter what you think, I will stick to my decision). This shows you have the linguistic tools to express firm boundaries and universal truths. Pay attention to the rhythm of the sentence; the '无论' clause sets up the tension, and the '都' clause provides the resolution.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuance of register. You know that '无论' is more formal than '不管' and '不论.' You should be able to use '无论' in written essays to provide comprehensive arguments. For instance, '无论从经济角度还是从社会角度来看...' (Whether from an economic or social perspective...). This allows you to structure complex thoughts clearly. You should also be familiar with fixed phrases like '无论如何' (in any case) and be able to use them as transitions in your speech. At this level, you might also encounter '无论' paired with '也' instead of '都' in certain literary or emphatic contexts. You should be able to handle sentences where the condition is quite long and complex, and still remember to place the '都' correctly before the main verb. Your focus should be on the precision of the condition—making sure you've covered all possibilities correctly using '还是' or interrogative pronouns.

At the C1 level, '无论...都...' becomes a tool for sophisticated rhetoric and literary analysis. You will encounter it in classical-style modern prose and high-level academic writing. You should be able to appreciate the subtle differences between '无论,' '任凭,' and '纵使.' You can use '无论' to create parallel structures that add weight to your arguments. For example, using multiple '无论' clauses in a row to emphasize that a principle is truly universal. You should also be able to use it in complex hypothetical scenarios and understand its role in legal and formal documents where exceptions must be explicitly excluded. Your usage should be flawless, and you should be able to use it to express philosophical concepts, such as the unchanging nature of truth regardless of human perception. You might also explore how '无论' is used in traditional idioms and how those idioms are adapted in modern contexts.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of '无论...都...' and can use it with effortless precision. You can play with the structure for stylistic effect, perhaps delaying the '都' for dramatic emphasis or using '无论' in a way that subtly references classical Chinese '无论' (meaning 'not to mention'). You can use it in high-stakes negotiations, formal speeches, and creative writing to convey absolute certainty or to dismiss irrelevant variables with professional grace. You are aware of the historical evolution of the term and can recognize its precursors in Middle and Old Chinese. Your mastery allows you to use '无论' to navigate the most complex social and professional landscapes in the Chinese-speaking world, ensuring that your meaning is always clear, your tone is appropriate, and your logic is unassailable. You can even use it to explain complex linguistic phenomena to other learners, demonstrating a deep meta-linguistic awareness.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

无论...都... in 30 Seconds

Used to mean 'no matter' or 'regardless of' in formal and neutral contexts.
Must be paired with '都' (dōu) or '也' (yě) in the following clause.
Requires the condition to be a choice (A or B) or a question (who, what, how).
Essential for expressing determination, universal rules, and unchanging loyalty.

The conjunction 无论 (wúlùn) is a sophisticated yet essential tool in the Chinese language, primarily used to express that a certain result or attitude remains constant, regardless of the circumstances or conditions presented. It is often translated as 'no matter,' 'regardless of,' or 'irrespective of.' In the Chinese architectural logic of a sentence, it almost always pairs with the adverb 都 (dōu) or sometimes 也 (yě) to complete the thought, signifying that 'in all cases' the following statement holds true.

Core Concept: The term '无' (wú) means 'without' or 'no,' and '论' (lùn) means 'to discuss' or 'to consider.' Literally, it means 'without considering' or 'not discussing' the specifics of the situation, the outcome is fixed.

People use this structure when they want to emphasize determination, a universal truth, or a broad scope of applicability. For instance, if you want to say that you will study Chinese regardless of how difficult it is, you are setting up a condition (the difficulty level) and stating that it will not change your action (studying). This structure is ubiquitous in both formal literature and daily conversation because it allows the speaker to dismiss potential obstacles or variables as irrelevant to the main point.

无论天气好坏，他都坚持跑步。 (Wúlùn tiānqì hǎo huài, tā dōu jiānchí pǎobù.) — No matter whether the weather is good or bad, he insists on running.

Logical Requirement: A crucial rule for using '无论' is that the clause following it MUST contain a choice, a range, or a question word. You cannot simply say '无论下雨' (No matter it rains). You must say '无论是否下雨' (No matter whether it rains or not) or '无论下多大的雨' (No matter how hard it rains).

In professional settings, it is used to state policies or unwavering commitments. In personal relationships, it is used to express loyalty or unconditional support. The beauty of this phrase lies in its ability to condense complex conditional logic into a simple, rhythmic flow. It suggests a level of certainty that few other structures can provide. Whether you are discussing global economics or what to eat for dinner, '无论...都...' provides the linguistic leverage to make your point absolute.

无论发生什么，我都会在你身边。 (Wúlùn fāshēng shénme, wǒ dōu huì zài nǐ shēnbiān.) — No matter what happens, I will be by your side.

Social Nuance: Using '无论' shows a high level of conviction. However, be careful in negotiations; stating '无论如何我都不会让步' (No matter what, I won't yield) leaves no room for compromise, which might be seen as overly aggressive depending on the context.

Furthermore, '无论' is slightly more formal than its cousin '不管' (bùguǎn). While '不管' is the go-to for a casual chat with friends about weekend plans, '无论' is preferred in speeches, written essays, and formal announcements. Understanding this distinction helps learners navigate the 'Register' of Chinese communication, moving from basic survival phrases to nuanced, native-like expression.

Mastering the usage of 无论...都... involves understanding the specific structures that must follow '无论'. Unlike English, where 'no matter' can sometimes be followed by a simple noun, Chinese requires a construction that implies multiple possibilities. There are four primary patterns you need to learn.

Pattern 1: With Question Words: This is the most common form. Use words like 什么 (what), 谁 (who), 怎么 (how), 哪儿 (where), or 什么时候 (when).
Example: 无论谁来，他都不开门。 (No matter who comes, he won't open the door.)

无论你去哪儿，我都跟着你。 (Wúlùn nǐ qù nǎ'er, wǒ dōu gēnzhe nǐ.) — No matter where you go, I will follow you.

Pattern 2: The 'A or B' Structure: Use the '还是' (háishì) conjunction to present two alternatives.
Example: 无论喝茶还是喝咖啡，我都喜欢。 (No matter [whether I] drink tea or coffee, I like it.)

This pattern is particularly useful when you want to show that two specific options lead to the same result. It creates a balanced sentence that is very pleasing to the Chinese ear. Note that '还是' is mandatory here; you cannot use '或者' (huòzhě) in this specific '无论' construction because '无论' requires the interrogative 'or'.

无论工作还是学习，他都很认真。 (Wúlùn gōngzuò háishì xuéxí, tā dōu hěn rènzhēn.) — No matter whether working or studying, he is very serious.

Pattern 3: Positive-Negative (Affirmative-Negative): Use the 'Verb + 不 + Verb' or 'Adjective + 不 + Adjective' structure.
Example: 无论你去不去，我都要去。 (No matter whether you go or not, I must go.)

A common variation of this is '无论 + [Verb] + 还是 + [Negation]'. For example, '无论成功还是失败' (No matter success or failure). This covers the entire spectrum of possibility, leaving no 'out' for the condition to affect the main clause.

Pattern 4: Using '多/多么' + Adjective: This emphasizes the degree of a condition.
Example: 无论多忙，他都给父母打电话。 (No matter how busy he is, he calls his parents.)

无论多困难，我们都不能放弃。 (Wúlùn duō kùnnán, wǒmen dōu bùnéng fàngqì.) — No matter how difficult it is, we cannot give up.

Finally, always remember the '都' (dōu). In English, we can say 'No matter what you say, I don't believe you.' In Chinese, omitting the '都' makes the sentence feel 'naked' or incomplete. It serves as the logical connector that gathers all the 'no matter' possibilities and funnels them into the final statement.

While '无论' is slightly more formal than '不管', you will encounter it in a wide variety of contexts in modern Chinese life. From the lyrics of Mandopop songs to the slogans of multinational corporations, it is a powerful rhetorical device.

In Popular Music: Love songs are a goldmine for '无论'. Singers often use it to express eternal devotion. Phrases like '无论你在哪里' (No matter where you are) or '无论时间过多久' (No matter how much time passes) are staples of romantic ballads. It conveys a sense of timelessness and absolute commitment.

“无论海枯石烂，我心永不变。” — A classic poetic line often found in songs, meaning 'No matter if the seas dry up and rocks decay, my heart will never change.'

In the business world, '无论' is used to demonstrate reliability and customer service standards. A courier company might say '无论远近，准时送达' (No matter the distance, we deliver on time). Here, it serves to build trust by showing that the company's performance is not contingent on how difficult the task is. It is the language of professional guarantees.

In News and Media: News anchors use '无论' when reporting on government policies or social trends that affect everyone. '无论贫富，人人享有受教育的权利' (Regardless of wealth or poverty, everyone has the right to education). It is the standard way to express universal applicability in journalistic Chinese.

In daily life, parents use it when lecturing children: '无论你怎么解释，这都是你的错' (No matter how you explain it, this is your fault). Teachers use it to set expectations: '无论考试难不难，你们都要认真对待' (No matter whether the exam is hard or not, you must take it seriously). Even in casual settings, if the speaker wants to sound slightly more serious or emphatic, they will opt for '无论' over '不管'.

无论如何 (wúlùn rúhé) — This is a very common fixed phrase meaning 'in any case' or 'at any rate.' You will hear this at the end of a long discussion to wrap up a final decision.

Lastly, you will see it in literature and motivational quotes. It is the language of perseverance. '无论前方有多少困难，只要努力，就能成功' (No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, as long as you work hard, you can succeed). It is a structure that inspires and commands attention, making it a favorite for speakers and writers alike.

While '无论...都...' seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into a few specific traps when first learning this structure. Because the logic of Chinese grammar differs from English 'no matter,' these errors are quite common.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the '都' (dōu): Incorrect: 无论发生什么，我会帮你。 (Wúlùn fāshēng shénme, wǒ huì bāng nǐ.)
Correct: 无论发生什么，我都会帮你。 (Wúlùn fāshēng shénme, wǒ dōu huì bāng nǐ.)
In English, we don't need 'all' or 'always' in the second clause, but in Chinese, '都' acts as the necessary logical link.

Mistake: 无论天气冷，他出去跑步。
Correction: 无论天气多冷，他都出去跑步。

Mistake 2: Missing the 'Choice' in the Condition: This is the most frequent error. '无论' cannot be followed by a single, definite condition. It must be a range or an alternative.
Incorrect: 无论明天下雨，我都去。 (No matter it rains tomorrow, I'll go.)
Correct: 无论明天下不下雨，我都去。 (No matter whether it rains or not tomorrow, I'll go.)

Another common error is confusing '无论' with '虽然' (suīrán - although). While they both deal with conditions, '虽然' refers to a specific, real-world fact, whereas '无论' refers to a hypothetical range of possibilities.
Example: '虽然很累，但我还要工作' (Although I am tired [fact], I must work). '无论多累，我都要工作' (No matter how tired I am [potential range], I must work).

Mistake 3: Using '或者' instead of '还是': Incorrect: 无论苹果或者香蕉，我都吃。
Correct: 无论苹果还是香蕉，我都吃。
Remember that '无论' sets up an indirect question, and '还是' is the correct 'or' for questions.

Lastly, watch out for word order. The '无论' clause always comes first. You cannot say '我都去，无论下雨还是晴天' in standard Chinese. The condition sets the stage, and the '都' clause provides the resolution. Keeping this sequence in mind will ensure your sentences sound natural and grammatically sound.

In Chinese, several words share the meaning of 'regardless of' or 'no matter.' Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

1. 不管 (bùguǎn): This is the most common synonym. It is more informal than '无论' and is used frequently in spoken Chinese. While '无论' literally means 'no discussion,' '不管' literally means 'no control' or 'don't care.' Use this with friends and family.

“不管你怎么说，我都不去。” (Bùguǎn nǐ zěnme shuō, wǒ dōu bù qù.) — No matter what you say, I'm not going. (Very casual)

2. 不论 (bùlùn): This is a middle ground between '无论' and '不管.' It is neutral in tone and can be used in both speech and writing. It is slightly more formal than '不管' but less 'literary' than '无论.'

A key difference between '无论' and '不管' is that '无论' is almost never followed by a simple noun without a question word or alternative, whereas '不管' can occasionally be followed by a noun in very informal speech (though it's still better to use a question word).

3. 任凭 (rènpíng): This is a much more formal, literary term. It often carries a nuance of 'letting things happen as they will' or 'no matter how much [someone] tries.' It is common in classical-style writing or high-level oratory.

Another related word is 哪怕 (nǎpà). While '无论' covers a range of possibilities, '哪怕' focuses on a single, extreme hypothetical case. It translates to 'even if.' For example, '哪怕只有百分之一的希望，我们也要努力' (Even if there is only 1% hope, we must try). '无论' would not work here because there is no choice or range; there is only one specific condition (1% hope).

Summary Comparison:
1. 无论 (wúlùn): Formal, 'No matter'.
2. 不管 (bùguǎn): Informal, 'Regardless'.
3. 哪怕 (nǎpà): Extreme case, 'Even if'.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the 'flavor' of your conversation. If you are writing a formal letter of complaint, use '无论'. If you are arguing with your roommate about whose turn it is to do the dishes, '不管' is much more natural.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '论' (lùn) contains the 'speech' radical (讠), showing its connection to speaking and debating, while '无' (wú) is a pictograph that originally depicted a dancer, but was borrowed for its sound to mean 'nothing.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /wuː lʊn dəʊ/

US /wu lʊn doʊ/

Primary stress is on 'lun' (second syllable) and 'dou' (the adverb).

Rhymes With

无 (wú) rhymes with 图 (tú), 炉 (lú). 论 (lùn) rhymes with 训 (xùn), 问 (wèn) - approximate. 都 (dōu) rhymes with 欧 (ōu), 楼 (lóu).

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'lun' to rhyme with 'sun' (it should be more like 'look').
Forgetting the second tone on 'wú'.
Pronouncing 'dou' as 'doo' (it should be 'doe').
Giving equal stress to every syllable.
Failing to pause slightly after the '无论' clause.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once the pattern is known.

Writing 3/5

Requires careful construction of the conditional clause and inclusion of '都'.

Speaking 3/5

Needs practice to use the 'A or B' or 'Verb-not-Verb' structures naturally.

Listening 2/5

The '无论' at the start is a strong signal for the logic to follow.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

都 (dōu) 还是 (háishì) 什么 (shénme) 谁 (shéi) 哪儿 (nǎ'er)

Learn Next

不管 (bùguǎn) 即使 (jíshǐ) 哪怕 (nǎpà) 除非 (chúfēi) 与其...不如...

Advanced

任凭 (rènpíng) 不论 (bùlùn) 纵然 (zòngrán) 即便 (jíbiàn) 何尝 (hécháng)

Grammar to Know

Interrogative Pronouns as Universal Quantifiers

谁都喜欢他。 (Everyone likes him.)

The 'A or B' Question Structure with '还是'

你喝茶还是咖啡？ (Do you drink tea or coffee?)

Affirmative-Negative Questions

你去不去？ (Are you going or not?)

The Adverb '都' to summarize a preceding list/condition

爸爸、妈妈和我，都去了。 (Dad, Mom, and I all went.)

The Conjunction '虽然' for factual concession

虽然天黑了，但他还在工作。 (Although it's dark, he's still working.)

Examples by Level

无论谁都喜欢他。

No matter who, everyone likes him.

无论 (No matter) + 谁 (who) + 都 (all).

无论什么时候，我都爱你。

No matter when, I will always love you.

无论 (No matter) + 什么时候 (when) + 都 (all).

无论哪儿，我都去。

No matter where, I will go.

无论 (No matter) + 哪儿 (where) + 都 (all).

无论什么菜，我都吃。

No matter what dish, I will eat it.

无论 (No matter) + 什么 (what) + 都 (all).

无论你还是他，都得去。

No matter you or him, both must go.

无论 (No matter) + A 还是 (or) B + 都 (both).

无论天气好不好，我都去学校。

No matter whether the weather is good or not, I go to school.

无论 (No matter) + 好不好 (good or not) + 都 (all).

无论多贵，我都买。

No matter how expensive, I will buy it.

无论 (No matter) + 多 (how) + Adjective + 都 (all).

无论大小，都一样。

No matter the size, they are all the same.

无论 (No matter) + 大小 (size) + 都 (all).

无论明天下不下雨，我都要去公园。

No matter whether it rains or not tomorrow, I must go to the park.

Uses the 'Verb-not-Verb' structure for the condition.

无论工作多忙，他每天都锻炼。

No matter how busy work is, he exercises every day.

无论 + 多 (how) + Adjective + 都.

无论你想吃中餐还是西餐，我都带你去。

No matter if you want to eat Chinese food or Western food, I will take you.

Uses '还是' to present two specific alternatives.

无论这个问题多难，我都要解决它。

No matter how difficult this problem is, I must solve it.

无论 + Noun + 多 (how) + Adjective + 都.

无论你去哪个国家，你都要带护照。

No matter which country you go to, you must bring a passport.

无论 + 哪个 (which) + Noun + 都.

无论他怎么解释，我都不相信他。

No matter how he explains, I don't believe him.

无论 + 怎么 (how) + Verb + 都.

无论谁问你，你都不要告诉他。

No matter who asks you, don't tell them.

无论 + 谁 (who) + 都.

无论什么时候，你都可以给我打电话。

No matter when, you can always call me.

无论 + 什么时候 (when) + 都.

无论环境多么恶劣，这种植物都能生存。

No matter how harsh the environment is, this plant can survive.

无论 + 多么 (how) + Adjective + 都.

无论做什么工作，都要认真负责。

No matter what job you do, you must be serious and responsible.

无论 + 做什么 (do what) + 都.

无论父母怎么反对，他都要去国外留学。

No matter how his parents object, he will go study abroad.

无论 + 怎么 (how) + Verb + 都.

无论你遇到什么困难，都不要轻易放弃。

No matter what difficulties you encounter, do not give up easily.

无论 + 什么 (what) + Noun + 都.

无论是在家里还是在学校，他都很听话。

Whether at home or at school, he is very obedient.

无论 + 在 A 还是在 B + 都.

无论结果如何，我们都已经努力过了。

No matter what the result is, we have already worked hard.

无论 + 结果 (result) + 如何 (how) + 都.

无论谁赢了比赛，我们都应该祝贺他。

No matter who wins the race, we should congratulate them.

无论 + 谁 (who) + 都.

无论你走多远，家永远是你的港湾。

No matter how far you go, home is always your harbor.

无论 + 走多远 (go how far) + 都.

无论从哪个角度看，这个方案都是最合理的。

No matter from which angle you look at it, this plan is the most reasonable.

无论 + 从哪个角度 (from which angle) + 都.

无论面临多大的压力，他总能保持冷静。

No matter how much pressure he faces, he can always stay calm.

无论 + 多大的 (how big) + Noun + 都.

无论社会如何发展，诚实守信的品质都不应改变。

No matter how society develops, the qualities of honesty and trustworthiness should not change.

无论 + Noun + 如何 (how) + 都.

无论你承认与否，这都是事实。

Whether you admit it or not, this is the truth.

无论 + [Verb] + 与否 (or not) + 都.

无论谁违反了法律，都必须受到惩罚。

No matter who violates the law, they must be punished.

无论 + 谁 (who) + 都.

无论这件衣服多贵，她也非买不可。

No matter how expensive this dress is, she simply must buy it.

无论...也 (instead of 都 for stronger emphasis).

无论你走到哪里，我都希望你平安。

No matter where you go, I hope you are safe.

无论 + 走到哪里 (go where) + 都.

无论你是否准备好，挑战都已经开始了。

Whether you are ready or not, the challenge has already begun.

无论 + 是否 (whether or not) + 都.

无论时代如何变迁，人类对美的追求从未停止。

No matter how the times change, the human pursuit of beauty has never ceased.

Formal usage in a philosophical context.

无论真相多么残酷，我们都有权利知道它。

No matter how cruel the truth is, we have the right to know it.

无论 + 多么 (how) + Adjective + 都.

无论外部环境如何风云变幻，我们都要保持战略定力。

No matter how the external environment changes, we must maintain our strategic focus.

High-level political/business register.

无论其动机为何，这种行为都是不可接受的。

No matter what the motive was, this behavior is unacceptable.

无论 + 其 (its/their) + 动机 (motive) + 为何 (is what) + 都.

无论是在文学创作还是在科学研究中，想象力都至关重要。

Whether in literary creation or scientific research, imagination is vital.

无论 + 在 A 还是在 B + 都.

无论你如何掩饰，你的眼神都已经出卖了你。

No matter how you hide it, your eyes have already betrayed you.

无论 + 如何 (how) + Verb + 都.

无论历史如何评价，他都无愧于自己的良心。

No matter how history judges him, he has a clear conscience.

无论 + Noun + 如何 (how) + Verb + 都.

无论你身处何地，祖国都是你坚强的后盾。

No matter where you are, your motherland is your strong backing.

无论 + 身处何地 (be in what place) + 都.

无论苍海桑田，这份情谊也将永志不忘。

No matter how the world changes (idiom), this friendship will be remembered forever.

Uses classical idiom '苍海桑田' for poetic depth.

无论外界如何喧嚣，他始终能守住内心的一方净土。

No matter how noisy the outside world is, he can always keep a piece of pure land in his heart.

Literary and metaphorical usage.

无论其论点多么精妙，都无法掩盖其逻辑上的漏洞。

No matter how subtle the argument, it cannot hide the logical loopholes.

Academic critique register.

无论他如何巧舌如簧，事实终究胜于雄辩。

No matter how eloquent he is (idiom), facts ultimately speak louder than words.

Use of the idiom '巧舌如簧'.

无论前路多么坎坷，我们都将披荆斩棘，奋勇向前。

No matter how bumpy the road ahead, we will clear away obstacles (idiom) and forge ahead.

High-level motivational/political rhetoric.

无论在宏观层面还是微观层面，这一规律都普遍适用。

Whether at the macro or micro level, this law is universally applicable.

Scientific/Theoretical register.

无论你是否愿意，全球化的浪潮都将席卷每一个角落。

Whether you are willing or not, the tide of globalization will sweep through every corner.

Sociopolitical analysis.

无论其结局是悲是喜，这出戏都足以载入史册。

No matter whether the end is tragic or happy, this play is enough to be recorded in history.

无论 + 是 A 是 B + 都.

Common Collocations

无论如何

无论是非

无论贫富

无论大小

无论远近

无论早晚

无论成败

无论男女

无论多忙

无论多远

Common Phrases

无论如何

— In any case; at any rate; no matter what happens.

无论如何，请务必准时。

无论什么

— No matter what; anything.

无论什么，我都愿意尝试。

无论谁

— No matter who; anyone.

无论谁，都不能违反规定。

无论哪里

— No matter where; anywhere.

无论哪里，我都想去看看。

无论何时

— No matter when; anytime.

无论何时，我都在这里。

无论是否

— Regardless of whether... or not.

无论是否成功，都有收获。

无论如何也要

— Must do something no matter what.

我无论如何也要买到这张票。

无论怎么样

— No matter how; in any case.

无论怎么样，我都支持你。

无论多么

— No matter how (emphasizing degree).

无论多么辛苦，他都不抱怨。

无论哪一个

— No matter which one.

无论哪一个，我都喜欢。

Often Confused With

无论...都... vs 虽然 (suīrán)

虽然 is for facts (Although it's raining...), while 无论 is for possibilities (No matter if it rains...).

无论...都... vs 哪怕 (nǎpà)

哪怕 focuses on one extreme case (Even if...), while 无论 covers a range or choice.

无论...都... vs 不论 (bùlùn)

Very similar, but 无论 is slightly more formal and more commonly used in fixed phrases like 无论如何.

Idioms & Expressions

"无论是非"

— To not distinguish between right and wrong; regardless of the truth.

他这人无论是非，只听朋友的。

Neutral

"无论大小"

— Regardless of size or importance.

无论大小，所有问题都要解决。

Neutral

"无论远近"

— Regardless of distance; from all over.

客人无论远近，都来参加婚礼。

Neutral

"无论成败"

— Regardless of success or failure.

无论成败，他都是英雄。

Literary

"无论贵贱"

— Regardless of price or social status.

在这里，无论贵贱，都是平等的。

Formal

"无论先后"

— Regardless of who comes first or last.

大家无论先后，都有份。

Neutral

"无论虚实"

— Regardless of what is true or false/imaginary.

我们必须查清真相，无论虚实。

Formal

"无论多寡"

— Regardless of the amount (many or few).

无论多寡，我们都心怀感激。

Literary

"无论亲疏"

— Regardless of how close or distant a relationship is.

对所有员工，无论亲疏，他都一视同仁。

Formal

"无论曲直"

— Regardless of who is right or wrong.

他无论曲直，总是护着自己的孩子。

Literary

Easily Confused

无论...都... vs 不管 (bùguǎn)

They have the same meaning.

无论 is formal/written; 不管 is informal/spoken. 无论 cannot be followed by a simple noun like 不管 sometimes can in very casual speech.

无论谁都行 (Formal) / 不管谁都行 (Informal)

无论...都... vs 即使 (jíshǐ)

Both deal with hypothetical conditions.

即使 means 'even if' and focuses on a single condition. 无论 requires a range or choice.

即使下雨我也去 (Even if it rains...) / 无论下不下雨我也去 (No matter whether it rains or not...)

无论...都... vs 虽然 (suīrán)

Both translate to 'although' or 'even though' in some contexts.

虽然 is for real situations. 无论 is for any situation within a range.

虽然他很穷 (Although he is poor [fact]) / 无论他贫富 (Regardless of whether he is rich or poor [range])

无论...都... vs 不论 (bùlùn)

Identical meaning.

不论 is less frequent than 无论 in formal writing and less frequent than 不管 in daily speech.

不论如何，我都支持你。

无论...都... vs 任凭 (rènpíng)

Used for 'no matter.'

任凭 is literary and often implies letting something happen or ignoring someone's efforts.

任凭他怎么叫，我也不开门。

Sentence Patterns

无论 + [Question Word] + 都 + [Verb]

无论谁都喜欢这首歌。

无论 + [A] 还是 [B] + 都 + [Verb]

无论今天还是明天，我都行。

无论 + [Verb] 不 [Verb] + 都 + [Verb]

无论去不去，我都会告诉你。

无论 + 多 + [Adj] + 都 + [Verb]

无论多贵，他都买得起。

无论 + [Noun] + 如何 + 都 + [Verb]

无论情况如何，我们都不能走。

无论 + [Clause] + 与否 + 都 + [Verb]

无论你参加与否，活动都会举行。

无论 + [Clause] + 为何 + 都 + [Verb]

无论原因为何，他都迟到了。

无论 + [Idiom] + 也 + [Verb]

无论千辛万苦，我也要找到他。

Word Family

不论 (bùlùn)

不管 (bùguǎn)

结论 (jiélùn)

讨论 (tǎolùn)

无论如何 (wúlùn rúhé)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both written and spoken Chinese.

Common Mistakes

无论下雨，我都去。 → 无论下不下雨，我都去。
You cannot have a single condition after '无论'. You must provide a range or choice (rains or not rains).
无论谁来，我不开门。 → 无论谁来，我都不开门。
The word '都' is mandatory to link the condition to the result.
无论苹果或者香蕉，我都喜欢。 → 无论苹果还是香蕉，我都喜欢。
Use '还是' (interrogative or) instead of '或者' (declarative or) with '无论'.
虽然多忙，他都学习。 → 无论多忙，他都学习。
'虽然' is used for a single fact (although he is busy), but '无论' is used for a degree (no matter how busy).
我都买，无论贵不贵。 → 无论贵不贵，我都买。
In Chinese, the '无论' clause must come before the main clause.

Tips

The 'Choice' Rule

Always ensure your '无论' clause has a question word or an 'A or B' choice. This is the most important rule for this structure.

Formality Matters

Use '无论' in your essays and emails to sound more professional. It shows you have a higher level of language mastery.

Rhythm and Pausing

Pause slightly after the '无论' clause. This helps the listener process the conditions before you deliver the main point.

Visualizing '都'

Think of '都' as a net that catches all the possibilities mentioned after '无论'. Without the net, the possibilities just fall away.

Fixed Phrases

Memorize '无论如何' (wúlùn rúhé). It's incredibly useful in almost any conversation where you want to show determination.

Anticipation

When you hear '无论,' your ears should start searching for a word like '谁,' '什么,' or '还是' followed by '都'.

Avoid '或者'

Never use '或者' inside a '无论' clause. Always use '还是' to present alternatives.

Subject Placement

The subject of the second clause usually goes right before '都'. Example: '无论...，我们都...'

Song Lyrics

Listen to Chinese love songs. You will hear '无论' used constantly to express eternal, unchanging love.

Universal Truths

Use '无论' to state things that are always true, like '无论在哪个国家，诚实都是美德' (Honesty is a virtue in any country).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'WU' as 'Without' and 'LUN' as 'Learning/Logic.' Without even needing to learn or use logic about the situation, the result is 'DOU' (Done/All set).

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in a storm, a sunny day, and a snowstorm simultaneously. In all three pictures, they are holding the same umbrella. The umbrella is the '都' (result).

Word Web

无论 (No matter) 都 (All) 谁 (Who) 什么 (What) 哪儿 (Where) 还是 (Or) 如何 (How) 不管 (Regardless)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences using '无论...都...': one with a question word, one with '还是', and one with the 'Verb-not-Verb' structure.

Word Origin

The term '无论' is composed of '无' (wú), meaning 'not having' or 'without', and '论' (lùn), meaning 'to discuss,' 'to debate,' or 'to consider.' It appeared in classical texts to mean 'not to mention' or 'let alone,' before evolving into the modern conditional conjunction 'no matter.'

Original meaning: In the 'Peach Blossom Spring' by Tao Yuanming, '无论' meant 'not to mention' (even less to talk about).

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

While '无论' is neutral, using it to dismiss someone's concerns (e.g., '无论你怎么说...') can sound dismissive or stubborn.

English speakers often use 'no matter' or 'regardless,' but the '都' requirement is a unique logical bridge that doesn't exist in English grammar.

Tao Yuanming's 'Peach Blossom Spring' (Historical usage). Modern Mandopop lyrics (e.g., Jay Chou or Teresa Teng songs). Common government slogans regarding equality and development.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather and Travel

无论天气好坏
无论下不下雨
无论多远
无论堵不堵车

Personal Commitment

无论发生什么
无论遇到什么困难
无论你怎么想
无论如何

Business and Service

无论客户是谁
无论订单大小
无论时间早晚
无论路途遥远

Study and Work

无论考试难不难
无论工作多累
无论成功还是失败
无论谁负责

Social Equality

无论男女老少
无论贫富贵贱
无论国籍
无论背景如何

Conversation Starters

"无论周末天气怎么样，你都打算做什么？ (What do you plan to do this weekend no matter the weather?)"

"无论去哪儿旅游，你都必须带的东西是什么？ (What is the one thing you must bring no matter where you travel?)"

"无论学习多忙，你都坚持做的爱好是什么？ (What hobby do you insist on doing no matter how busy your studies are?)"

"无论在哪个城市生活，你都觉得最重要的是什么？ (No matter which city you live in, what do you think is most important?)"

"无论遇到什么困难，谁是你第一个想求助的人？ (No matter what difficulty you face, who is the first person you want to ask for help?)"

Journal Prompts

写写你的一个目标：无论遇到什么困难，你都要坚持下去。 (Write about a goal: No matter what difficulties you encounter, you will persevere.)

描述你最喜欢的食物：无论什么时候吃，你都觉得很美味。 (Describe your favorite food: No matter when you eat it, you think it's delicious.)

写写你的好朋友：无论你发生什么事，他/她都会支持你。 (Write about your best friend: No matter what happens to you, they will support you.)

谈谈你对工作的看法：无论做什么工作，都应该有什么样的态度？ (Talk about your view on work: No matter what job one does, what kind of attitude should one have?)

回顾一段经历：无论结果如何，你都从中学到了什么？ (Reflect on an experience: No matter the outcome, what did you learn from it?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In modern Mandarin, it is almost always required. Omitting '都' (or '也') makes the sentence sound incomplete. For example, '无论谁来，我欢迎' sounds wrong. It must be '无论谁来，我都欢迎.' The '都' serves to unify all the possibilities introduced by '无论'.

The main difference is formality. '无论' is used in writing and formal speeches, while '不管' is the standard choice for daily conversation. Additionally, '无论' is strictly used with question words or alternatives, whereas '不管' is occasionally used more loosely in very casual speech.

No. You cannot say '无论天气.' You must provide a range or choice, such as '无论天气好坏' (no matter if the weather is good or bad) or '无论什么天气' (no matter what weather). This is a common mistake for English speakers who are used to 'regardless of the weather.'

Yes, '还是' is the correct 'or' to use with '无论' because '无论' introduces an indirect question. Using '或者' (the 'or' for statements) is a common grammatical error in this construction.

Yes, '也' can be used, often to add emphasis or in negative sentences. For example, '无论你怎么说，我也不会改变主意' (No matter what you say, I [also/even] won't change my mind). '都' is more neutral and common.

It is a fixed phrase meaning 'in any case,' 'at any rate,' or 'no matter what.' It can be used at the beginning or end of a sentence to show that a decision is final regardless of circumstances.

In standard Chinese, no. The '无论' clause should always come first. Saying '我都去，无论下雨还是晴天' is considered an anglicized word order and is generally avoided in correct Mandarin.

No. '无论' deals with conditions, while '因为' deals with causes. They serve different logical functions and are not used together in the same structure.

You would say '无论我怎么努力' (wúlùn wǒ zěnme nǔlì). Here, '怎么' (how) provides the necessary question word for the '无论' structure.

Yes, but its meaning was different. In classical Chinese, '无论' often meant 'not to mention' or 'let alone.' The modern meaning of 'regardless of' developed later.