巨

鉅

jù

Definitions

jù (adjective) huge; enormous; gigantic

jù (adverb) extremely; very much

Etymology

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

About

The character 巨 originally was a pictograph of a carpenter's square, a right-angle measuring tool with a handle. Ancient scripts show the tool's form clearly: a vertical handle with a crosspiece used to draw right angles and measure distances. This instrument was essential for builders and craftsmen. The original meaning 'carpenter's square' is now written 矩. Later, 巨 was borrowed phonetically to write a completely different word meaning 'huge' or 'gigantic.' This borrowed sense entirely replaced the tool meaning, and today 巨 is used only for 'enormous' size.

Etymology Hide

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical Western Jin dynasty (266-316 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一个巨大的房子。

Zhè shì yī gè jùdà de fángzi.

This is a huge house.

巨人有很多朋友。

Jùrén yǒu hěn duō péngyou.

The giant has many friends.

我们看到了巨大的变化。

Wǒmen kàndào le jùdà de biànhuà.

We saw huge changes.

这幅画的价值巨大。

Zhè fú huà de jiàzhí jùdà.

The value of this painting is enormous.

公司面临巨大的挑战。

Gōngsī miànlín jùdà de tiǎozhàn.

The company faces enormous challenges.

这次地震造成了巨大的损失。

Zhè cì dìzhèn zàochéng le jùdà de sǔnshī.

This earthquake caused enormous losses.

科学家发现了巨大的恐龙化石。

Kēxuéjiā fāxiàn le jùdà de kǒnglóng huàshí.

Scientists discovered huge dinosaur fossils.

经济发展带来了巨大的机遇和风险。

Jīngjì fāzhǎn dàilái le jùdà de jīyù hé fēngxiǎn.

Economic development brings enormous opportunities and risks.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 巨

巨