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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'approximately' with 大约 (dàyuē)

    Degree & Intensity
    Numbers & Quantity

    Structure

    大约 + Number/Quantity

    Explanation

    大约 (dàyuē) is an adverb meaning 'approximately,' 'about,' or 'roughly.' It is placed before a number or quantity to indicate an estimate rather than an exact figure. It is interchangeable with 大概 (dàgài) in most contexts but slightly more precise in tone.

    Examples

    • 从这里到机场大约要四十分钟。

      cóng zhèlǐ dào jīchǎng dàyuē yào sìshí fēnzhōng.

      It takes about forty minutes from here to the airport.

    • 这个班大约有三十个学生。

      zhège bān dàyuē yǒu sānshí gè xuéshēng.

      This class has about thirty students.

    • 她大约下午三点到。

      tā dàyuē xiàwǔ sān diǎn dào.

      She'll arrive at about three in the afternoon.

    Similar Grammar

    Expressing 'approximately' with 大约 (dàyuē) | Chinese Grammar