大肆

• Pinyin: dà sì
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = greatly; 肆 = 聿 + 长 (unrestrained, four)

Meaning

Wantonly; unscrupulously; without restraint. An adverb describing actions done boldly and excessively, usually with negative connotations.

Almost always carries negative implications — suggesting the action is excessive, inappropriate, or harmful. Common in news reporting about scandals, crimes, or irresponsible behavior.

Examples

1. 媒体大肆报道这起丑闻，搞得人尽皆知。 The media reported on this scandal extensively, making it known to everyone.
2. 他大肆挥霍公款，最终被判刑入狱。 He squandered public funds wantonly and was eventually sentenced to prison.
3. 谣言在网上大肆传播，造成了严重的社会恐慌。 Rumors spread wildly online, causing serious public panic.

Usage Guide

Context: news, criticism

Tone: disapproving

Do Say

• 他们大肆宣传虚假信息。(They wantonly spread false information.)
• 不法商家大肆哄抬物价。(Unscrupulous merchants drove up prices wantonly.)

Don't Say

• 她大肆帮助穷人 (大肆 implies negative, excessive behavior — use 积极 or 大力 for positive actions)

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (greatly) + 肆 (unrestrained, wanton). Together meaning in an unrestrained manner.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal