宏大

• Pinyin: hóng dà
• Hanzi breakdown: 宏 = 宀 (roof) + 厷 (arm), meaning vast; 大 = pictograph of a person with arms spread, meaning big

Meaning

Grand; magnificent; ambitious. Describing something large in scale or scope.

Used for plans, visions, architecture, and narratives that are impressive in scale. Common collocations: 宏大的计划 (grand plan), 气势宏大 (magnificent in momentum), 宏大叙事 (grand narrative). More formal and literary than 巨大.

Examples

1. 这部史诗电影以宏大的历史背景和精彩的战争场面著称。 This epic film is known for its grand historical backdrop and spectacular battle scenes.
2. 他心中有一个宏大的计划，要把家乡建设成旅游胜地。 He has a grand plan in his heart to transform his hometown into a tourist destination.
3. 这座宫殿的建筑规模宏大，展现了古代帝王的气派。 The architecture of this palace is grand in scale, showcasing the majesty of ancient emperors.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, plans, literature

Tone: elevated

Do Say

• 这是一项宏大的工程。(This is a grand project.)
• 他的抱负非常宏大。(His ambitions are very grand.)

Don't Say

• 用宏大形容日常小事 (Don't use 宏大 for everyday small things — it implies exceptional scale)

Origin & History

Compound of 宏 (vast, grand) + 大 (big, great). Both characters emphasize largeness, combined for emphasis.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal