大家庭

• Pinyin: dà jiā tíng
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big; 家 = home, family; 庭 = courtyard, household

Meaning

Extended family; big family; large household. A noun referring to a family with many members living together or staying closely connected.

Can mean literally a large household with multiple generations, or metaphorically a close-knit organization or community that functions like a family. Evokes warmth, connection, and collective identity.

Examples

1. 在中国传统文化中，大家庭住在一起很常见。 In traditional Chinese culture, it was common for extended families to live together.
2. 公司就像一个大家庭，同事之间互相关心。 The company is like a big family where colleagues care for each other.
3. 他们家是个大家庭，过年的时候能来三十多口人。 Their family is huge — over thirty people show up during Chinese New Year.

Usage Guide

Context: family, community, organization

Tone: warm

Do Say

• 欢迎加入我们这个大家庭！(Welcome to our big family!)
• 大家庭有大家庭的好处和难处。(A big family has its advantages and challenges.)

Don't Say

• 我住在一个大家庭里单独一个人 (大家庭 implies many members — living alone contradicts this)

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (big) + 家庭 (family). Together meaning a large family.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal