dōu kěyǐ: 都可以 - All/Both are Okay, Anything is Fine

• Keywords: dou keyi, dōu kěyǐ, 都可以, what does dou keyi mean, how to use dou keyi, Chinese for anything is fine, Chinese for either is okay, dou keyi vs suibian, Chinese grammar dou, Chinese grammar keyi, flexible, agreeable
• Summary: Discover the meaning of dōu kěyǐ (都可以), one of the most common and essential phrases in Mandarin Chinese. This page provides a deep dive for beginners on how to use “dōu kěyǐ” to say “anything is fine” or “both are okay.” Learn the cultural significance behind this polite and flexible expression, see 10+ practical example sentences, and understand the crucial difference between “dōu kěyǐ” and “suíbiàn” (随便).

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dōu kěyǐ
• Part of Speech: Adverbial Phrase / Expression
• HSK Level: HSK 2
• Concise Definition: All/both of the options presented are permissible or acceptable.
• In a Nutshell: “Dōu kěyǐ” is the ultimate phrase for being agreeable and easygoing in Chinese. When someone gives you a choice—like what to eat, where to go, or when to meet—saying “dōu kěyǐ” means you're genuinely happy with any of the options. It's the polite way to say “Either is fine,” “I'm good with anything,” or “You can decide.”

• 都 (dōu): This character means “all” or “both.” It's used to indicate that the statement applies to everything mentioned before it.
• 可 (kě): This character means “can,” “may,” or “to be able to.” It implies permission or possibility.
• 以 (yǐ): This character has many meanings, including “by means of” or “in order to.” Here, it combines with “可” to form the common word 可以 (kěyǐ), which means “can,” “okay,” or “permissible.”

When combined, 都 (dōu) + 可以 (kěyǐ) literally translates to “all are okay” or “all are permissible,” which perfectly captures its meaning.

In Chinese culture, maintaining group harmony and showing respect are often prioritized over expressing strong individual preferences. “Dōu kěyǐ” is a key tool for achieving this. Using this phrase is a sign of politeness and consideration. It tells the other person, “Your convenience and preference are important to me, so I will gladly accept whatever you choose.” This is especially true in a host-guest dynamic. A guest, when asked for their preference for food or activities, will almost invariably say “dōu kěyǐ” to defer to the host's arrangements. This contrasts with some Western cultures where being decisive (“I'd like the coffee, please”) is often seen as a positive trait of clarity and confidence. While constantly saying “I don't care” in English can sometimes sound apathetic or passive, “dōu kěyǐ” in Chinese is typically perceived as being polite, easygoing, and thoughtful. It's less about indifference and more about agreeableness.

“Dōu kěyǐ” is used constantly in daily conversation. It's a standard, polite response when you are presented with two or more options.

• Making Plans: It's perfect for casual social planning. When a friend asks what movie you want to see or which restaurant you want to go to, “dōu kěyǐ” is a friendly, low-pressure response.
• Formality: It is neutral in formality and can be used with friends, family, colleagues, and elders. The tone of voice is key; a warm, smiling “dōu kěyǐ” is polite, while a flat, monotone delivery could sound indifferent.
• The “Polite Standoff”: Be prepared for situations where two people both try to be polite by repeatedly saying “dōu kěyǐ” or “you decide!” This is a common, lighthearted social ritual where each person tries to defer to the other.

• Example 1:
  • 你想喝茶还是咖啡？都可以。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ xiǎng hē chá háishì kāfēi? Dōu kěyǐ.
  • English: Would you like to drink tea or coffee? Either is fine.
  • Analysis: This is the classic use case—responding to a simple choice between two options.
• Example 2:
  • 我们什么时候见面？明天或者后天都可以。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen shénme shíhòu jiànmiàn? Míngtiān huòzhě hòutiān dōu kěyǐ.
  • English: When should we meet? Tomorrow or the day after are both okay.
  • Analysis: Here, “dōu kěyǐ” confirms that multiple options (tomorrow, the day after) are acceptable.
• Example 3:
  • A: 我们晚饭吃米饭还是面条？(Wǒmen wǎnfàn chī mǐfàn háishì miàntiáo?)
  • B: 都可以，你决定吧。 ( Dōu kěyǐ, nǐ juédìng ba.)
  • English: A: Should we have rice or noodles for dinner? B: Either is fine, you decide.
  • Analysis: It's very common to follow “dōu kěyǐ” with “你决定吧” (nǐ juédìng ba) to explicitly hand the decision-making power to the other person.
• Example 4:
  • 这些书，你看哪本都可以。
  • Pinyin: Zhèxiē shū, nǐ kàn nǎ běn dōu kěyǐ.
  • English: As for these books, you can read whichever one you want.
  • Analysis: This shows that “dōu kěyǐ” can be used for more than two options, covering a whole category (“these books”).
• Example 5:
  • 我们去公园还是去电影院？都可以，我没意见。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen qù gōngyuán háishì qù diànyǐngyuàn? Dōu kěyǐ, wǒ méi yìjiàn.
  • English: Should we go to the park or the cinema? Either is fine, I have no opinion.
  • Analysis: “我没意见” (wǒ méi yìjiàn) is another phrase that reinforces the agreeable sentiment of “dōu kěyǐ”.
• Example 6:
  • 你坐这儿或者那儿都可以。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zuò zhèr huòzhě nàr dōu kěyǐ.
  • English: You can sit here or there, either is fine.
  • Analysis: A simple, reassuring phrase to make someone feel comfortable.
• Example 7:
  • 无论你用中文还是英文回答，我都可以听懂。
  • Pinyin: Wúlùn nǐ yòng Zhōngwén háishì Yīngwén huídá, wǒ dōu kěyǐ tīng dǒng.
  • English: Regardless of whether you answer in Chinese or English, I can understand both.
  • Analysis: This more complex structure with “无论…都…” (wúlùn…dōu… - regardless of… all…) shows how “dōu kěyǐ” integrates into advanced grammar.
• Example 8:
  • A: 这个周末你方便吗？(Zhège zhōumò nǐ fāngbiàn ma?)
  • B: 周六周日我都可以。 (Zhōuliù zhōurì wǒ dōu kěyǐ.)
  • English: A: Are you free this weekend? B: Saturday or Sunday are both fine for me.
  • Analysis: A common way to schedule plans, showing flexibility.
• Example 9:
  • 晚饭吃什么？都可以，我不挑食。
  • Pinyin: Wǎnfàn chī shénme? Dōu kěyǐ, wǒ bù tiāoshí.
  • English: What's for dinner? Anything is fine, I'm not a picky eater.
  • Analysis: This provides a reason for the agreeableness, making the statement more convincing and friendly.
• Example 10:
  • 付款方式的话，微信或者支付宝都可以。
  • Pinyin: Fùkuǎn fāngshì dehuà, Wēixìn huòzhě Zhīfùbǎo dōu kěyǐ.
  • English: As for the payment method, WeChat or Alipay are both acceptable.
  • Analysis: A very practical example you'll hear often in stores or restaurants in China.

• “Dōu kěyǐ” vs. “Suíbiàn” (随便): This is the most critical distinction for a learner.
  • 都可以 (dōu kěyǐ): “Either/All are fine.” It is polite, positive, and implies you are genuinely happy with the choices offered. It is almost always a safe choice.
  • 随便 (suíbiàn): “Whatever,” “As you wish.” This is much more casual and can easily sound dismissive or rude, depending on the context and tone. It can imply, “I don't care, just make a decision already.” While friends might use it casually, it's best to stick with “dōu kěyǐ” in most situations to avoid offense.
  • Example of incorrect usage: If your new boss asks, “Would you prefer to work on the marketing report or the sales analysis?” replying with “随便” (suíbiàn) would sound disrespectful. “都可以” (dōu kěyǐ) is the appropriate, professional response.
• Don't use it for “Can you do…?” questions: A common mistake is to confuse “dōu kěyǐ” with a simple “kěyǐ” (can/okay).
  • Incorrect: Q: 你能帮我吗？(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma? - Can you help me?) A: ~~都可以。~~ (Dōu kěyǐ.)
  • Correct: Q: 你能帮我吗？(Nǐ néng bāng wǒ ma?) A: 可以。 (Kěyǐ. - Yes, I can.)
  • “Dōu kěyǐ” requires a preceding choice or a set of options. It doesn't work as a standalone “yes” to a capability question.

• 随便 (suíbiàn) - “Whatever,” “as one pleases.” A more casual and potentially dismissive alternative.
• 都行 (dōu xíng) - “All are okay/workable.” A very close synonym to `都可以` and often used interchangeably.
• 可以 (kěyǐ) - “Can,” “okay,” “permissible.” The core component of the phrase.
• 你决定吧 (nǐ juédìng ba) - “You decide.” A phrase that frequently follows `都可以` to politely hand over the decision.
• 无所谓 (wúsuǒwèi) - “I don't care,” “it makes no difference to me.” This expresses a stronger level of indifference than `都可以`, closer in feeling to `随便`.
• 没关系 (méi guānxi) - “It doesn't matter,” “no problem.” Used to respond to an apology or mishap, not to make a choice.
• 行 (xíng) - “Okay,” “alright,” “will do.” A short, affirmative response.
• 客气 (kèqi) - “Polite,” “courteous.” The cultural value that often motivates the use of `都可以`.