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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "greatly" or "very" with 大 (dà) as an adverb

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    大 + Adjective/Verb

    Explanation

    大 (dà) can function as an adverb meaning "greatly" or "very much," intensifying the degree of a following adjective or verb. In this usage it emphasizes a large difference or extent. For example, 大不相同 means "greatly different."

    Examples

    • 今年的天气和去年大不一样。

      Jīnnián de tiānqì hé qùnián dà bù yīyàng.

      This year's weather is very different from last year's.

    • 这次改版之后，效果大有改善。

      Zhè cì gǎibǎn zhīhòu, xiàoguǒ dà yǒu gǎishàn.

      After this revision, the results have greatly improved.

    • 他的态度大为改变，让人很惊讶。

      Tā de tàidù dà wéi gǎibiàn, ràng rén hěn jīngyà.

      His attitude changed dramatically, which surprised everyone.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing "greatly" or "very" with 大 (dà) as an adverb | Chinese Grammar