绝大多数

• Pinyin: jué dà duō shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 绝 = 纟+ 色, absolute/extremely; 大 = person with arms out, big; 多 = 夕 + 夕, many; 数 = 娄 + 攵, number

Meaning

The vast majority; the overwhelming majority. An emphatic term for an extremely large proportion.

Stronger than 大多数 (most/majority). Used when emphasizing that nearly all members of a group share a characteristic or opinion. Common in statistics, surveys, and general statements. Functions as a noun phrase that can be followed by 的 + noun.

Examples

1. 绝大多数受访者表示支持这项新政策。 The vast majority of respondents expressed support for this new policy.
2. 虽然有些人反对，但绝大多数人还是赞成这个方案。 Although some people opposed it, the overwhelming majority still approved of this plan.
3. 绝大多数学生都选择了继续深造而不是直接就业。 The vast majority of students chose to pursue further education rather than enter the workforce directly.

Usage Guide

Context: statistics, reports, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 绝大多数人都这么认为。(The vast majority of people think so.)
• 绝大多数情况下这样做是对的。(In the vast majority of cases, this is the right thing to do.)

Don't Say

• 用绝大多数描述刚过半数的情况 (绝大多数 implies 80-90%+ — for 60-70% just say 大多数)

Origin & History

Phrase of 绝 (absolutely, extremely) + 大多数 (majority). The 绝 intensifies the majority to mean almost all.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal