大局

• Pinyin: dà jú
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big; 局 = 尸 + 勹 + 口 (situation, bureau)

Meaning

The overall situation; the big picture; general interest. A noun referring to the broader context or collective welfare beyond individual concerns.

Common in political, business, and strategic contexts. Emphasizes looking beyond immediate or personal interests to consider what's best for the whole. Often used in phrases like 顾全大局 (consider the big picture).

Examples

1. 作为团队成员，要以大局为重，不能只顾个人利益。 As a team member, you should prioritize the overall situation and not just think about personal interests.
2. 他是一个有大局观的领导，做决策时考虑得很长远。 He is a leader with a big-picture perspective who thinks long-term when making decisions.
3. 眼前这点损失算什么，关键是不能影响大局。 This small loss is nothing — what matters is not affecting the overall situation.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, business, strategy

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 要从大局出发考虑问题。(Consider problems from the perspective of the big picture.)
• 这会影响整个大局。(This will affect the overall situation.)

Don't Say

• 我晚餐的大局 (大局 is for significant collective matters — personal meal planning doesn't qualify)

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (big) + 局 (situation, game, setup). Together meaning the overall situation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal