Definitions

(adjective) huge; enormous; gigantic
(adverb) extremely; very much

Etymology

Pictograph of a tool for measuring right angles. Based on the original meaning "carpenter's square", now written as . The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

About

The character 巨 originally denoted a carpenter's square, a tool for ensuring right angles in construction, with its form deriving from a pictorial representation of this instrument. Through extended use, the term gradually acquired the broader sense of 'great' or 'huge', as the tool was essential in measuring and framing large-scale works. The character's structure, while stylized over time, continues to echo its functional origins. This evolution from a specific concrete noun to a general adjective exemplifies how linguistic usage can transform the semantic scope of a character.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一个大的房子。

Zhè shì yī gè jùdà de fángzi.

This is a huge house.

人有很多朋友。

Jùrén yǒu hěn duō péngyou.

The giant has many friends.

我们看到了大的变化。

Wǒmen kàndào le jùdà de biànhuà.

We saw huge changes.

这幅画的价值大。

Zhè fú huà de jiàzhí jùdà.

The value of this painting is enormous.

公司面临大的挑战。

Gōngsī miànlín jùdà de tiǎozhàn.

The company faces enormous challenges.

这次地震造成了大的损失。

Zhè cì dìzhèn zàochéng le jùdà de sǔnshī.

This earthquake caused enormous losses.

科学家发现了大的恐龙化石。

Kēxuéjiā fāxiàn le jùdà de kǒnglóng huàshí.

Scientists discovered huge dinosaur fossils.

经济发展带来了大的机遇和风险。

Jīngjì fāzhǎn dàilái le jùdà de jīyù hé fēngxiǎn.

Economic development brings enormous opportunities and risks.