伟大

• Pinyin: wěi dà
• Hanzi breakdown: 伟 = 亻 (person) + 韦 (tanned leather, phonetic) — a person of great stature; 大 = pictograph of a person with outstretched arms, meaning 'big'

Meaning

Great; mighty; remarkable. Describes someone or something of extraordinary importance or achievement.

A highly commendatory adjective reserved for truly significant accomplishments, historical figures, or monumental events. Carries a strong sense of admiration and respect. Common in phrases like 伟大的领袖 (great leader) and 伟大的成就 (great achievement).

Examples

1. 她是一位伟大的科学家。 She is a great scientist.
2. 母爱是世界上最伟大的力量。 A mother's love is the greatest force in the world.
3. 这是一项伟大的发明。 This is a great invention.

Usage Guide

Context: history, praise, literature

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 他做出了伟大的贡献。(He made a great contribution.)
• 中国有很多伟大的发明。(China has many great inventions.)

Don't Say

• 今天的晚饭很伟大。(Don't use 伟大 for ordinary things — it sounds sarcastic or absurd. Use 丰盛 for a grand dinner.)

Origin & History

伟 means 'great' or 'mighty' and 大 means 'big' or 'grand'. Together they express extraordinary greatness.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal