大模大样

• Pinyin: dà mú dà yàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big; 模 = pattern, manner; 样 = appearance, manner

Meaning

Boldly; brazenly; without a care; in an ostentatious manner. An idiom describing someone acting openly and confidently, often inappropriately so.

Usually carries negative connotations, suggesting someone is being shameless or lacking in proper humility. Can also be neutral, describing someone who is confident and unruffled.

Examples

1. 他迟到了一个小时，还大模大样地走进会议室，好像什么事都没发生。 He was an hour late but walked into the meeting room brazenly as if nothing had happened.
2. 小偷竟然大模大样地从正门走出来，保安都没注意到。 The thief actually walked out through the front door brazenly, and the security guard didn't even notice.
3. 她大模大样地坐在老板的位置上，一副主人翁的架势。 She sat in the boss's seat brazenly, acting like she owned the place.

Usage Guide

Context: behavior, criticism

Tone: disapproving

Do Say

• 他大模大样地拿走了别人的东西。(He brazenly took someone else's stuff.)
• 别大模大样的，注意点影响。(Don't be so brash — mind how you come across.)

Don't Say

• 他大模大样地道歉 (Apologies require humility — being brash while apologizing is contradictory)

Origin & History

Idiom with 大模 + 大样 both meaning grand manner/style. The reduplicative structure emphasizes the boldness of the behavior.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal