大队

• Pinyin: dà duì
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big; 队 = 阝+ 人 (team, unit)

Meaning

A large group; brigade; production brigade. A noun referring to a sizable organized unit of people.

Historically referred to production brigades during the commune era (1958-1984). Now used more broadly for any large organized group, military units, or teams. Common in formal and organizational contexts.

Examples

1. 消防大队迅速出动，赶往火灾现场。 The fire brigade quickly deployed and rushed to the fire scene.
2. 爷爷当年是生产大队的队长，管着好几百号人。 Grandpa was the leader of a production brigade back in the day, managing several hundred people.
3. 一大队游客涌入景区，把入口堵得水泄不通。 A large group of tourists flooded into the scenic area, blocking the entrance completely.

Usage Guide

Context: organization, military, historical

Tone: official

Do Say

• 交警大队在路口设了检查站。(The traffic police brigade set up a checkpoint at the intersection.)
• 他是大队里最年轻的队员。(He is the youngest member of the brigade.)

Don't Say

• 我和朋友组了一个大队 (For informal friend groups, use 群 or 伙 — 大队 sounds overly formal)

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (big, large) + 队 (team, unit). Together meaning a large organized group.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern/Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal