About

The word "大概" is formed through a logical and conceptual combination of its two component characters. The first character, "大" (dà), means "big" or "great", and the second, "概" (gài), carries the core meaning of "outline", "generality", or "the main points". When combined, the term literally suggests a "big outline" or the "major brushstrokes" of something. This figurative image, of seeing only the large, essential features rather than the fine details, naturally gives rise to its modern meanings of "approximate", "general idea", or "probably", as it conceptually represents a broad, non-specific view of a subject.

Example Sentences Hide

大概知道答案。

Tā dàgài zhīdào dá'àn.

He probably knows the answer.

大概明天去北京。

Wǒ dàgài míngtiān qù Běijīng.

I will probably go to Beijing tomorrow.

这本书大概有三百页。

Zhè běn shū dàgài yǒu sān bǎi yè.

This book has approximately three hundred pages.

如果你不来的话,他大概会生气。

Rúguǒ nǐ bù lái de huà, tā dàgài huì shēngqì.

If you don't come, he will probably be angry.

根据大概的估计,项目需要两个月完成。

Gēnjù dàgài de gūjì, xiàngmù xūyào liǎng gè yuè wánchéng.

According to a rough estimate, the project will take two months to complete.

Word Definition - 大概

dà gài roughly; probably; rough; approximate; about; general idea

Individual Character Details