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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "big" or "great" with 大 (dà)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    大 + Noun

    Explanation

    The adjective 大 (dà) means "big," "large," or "great," and is one of the most fundamental and frequently used words in Chinese. It can describe physical size, age, importance, or scope. In legal contexts, 大法官 means "chief justice" or "supreme court justice."

    Examples

    • 这个房间太大了，就我们两个人有点空。

      Zhège fángjiān tài dà le, jiù wǒmen liǎng gè rén yǒudiǎn kōng.

      This room is too big; with just the two of us, it feels a bit empty.

    • 今天有一个大消息要告诉你们。

      Jīntiān yǒu yīgè dà xiāoxī yào gàosù nǐmen.

      I have a big piece of news to tell you today.

    • 她比我大三岁，是我姐姐。

      Tā bǐ wǒ dà sān suì, shì wǒ jiějie.

      She is three years older than me; she's my older sister.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing "big" or "great" with 大 (dà) | Chinese Grammar