大笔

• Pinyin: dà bǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big; 笔 = 竹 + 毛 (pen, stroke)

Meaning

Large sum (of money); large amount. A noun used to describe a significant quantity, especially of money or writing.

Most commonly modifies money (大笔钱, 大笔资金) to indicate substantial financial amounts. Can also refer to bold brushstrokes in calligraphy or painting. Often used in business and financial contexts.

Examples

1. 这个项目需要投入一大笔资金，我们得慎重考虑。 This project requires investing a large sum of money, so we need to consider carefully.
2. 他继承了一大笔遗产，从此过上了富裕的生活。 He inherited a large fortune and has lived a wealthy life ever since.
3. 艺术家用大笔挥洒，几分钟就画出一幅气势磅礴的山水。 The artist painted with bold strokes and created a magnificent landscape in just a few minutes.

Usage Guide

Context: financial, art

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他花了一大笔钱买房。(He spent a large sum of money to buy a house.)
• 公司获得了一大笔投资。(The company received a large investment.)

Don't Say

• 大笔的苹果 (大笔 is for money or abstract quantities — for physical objects, use 大量 or 很多)

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (big, large) + 笔 (pen, stroke, or a measure word for sums). Together indicating a large amount.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal