凡事 means 'everything' or 'all matters' — it refers broadly to any and all things, situations, or affairs that may arise in life. The character 凡 (fán) means 'all', 'every', or 'ordinary', while 事 (shì) means 'matter', 'affair', or 'thing'. Together, they form a classical, slightly formal noun emphasizing comprehensiveness — not just physical objects, but tasks, concerns, decisions, and experiences. It often appears in proverbs, advice, or reflective speech, conveying a sense of holistic consideration.

This term carries a subtle tone of wisdom or caution, frequently used in expressions urging patience, preparation, or mindfulness: e.g., '凡事预则立' ('Anything planned in advance will succeed'). It's common in written Chinese and formal spoken contexts but rarely used in casual daily chatter like ordering food or greeting friends. Learners should note it’s typically uncountable and doesn’t take measure words — you wouldn’t say '一凡事'; instead, it functions as an abstract collective noun, often modified by adverbs like 都 (dōu) or 总是 (zǒngshì).