大宗

• Pinyin: dà zōng
• Hanzi breakdown: 大 = big; 宗 = 宀 (roof) + 示 (altar), meaning clan or main

Meaning

Large quantity; bulk; major category. Can function as an adjective (large-scale, wholesale) or noun (commodities, major items).

Commonly used in business and economics for bulk goods (大宗商品 = commodities like oil, grain, metals). Can also refer to the main lineage in traditional Chinese clan systems.

Examples

1. 石油、铁矿石都是重要的大宗商品。 Oil and iron ore are both important commodities.
2. 这笔交易涉及大宗货物，需要特别谨慎。 This deal involves bulk goods and requires extra caution.
3. 近期大宗商品价格波动剧烈，影响了全球供应链。 Commodity prices have been fluctuating wildly recently, affecting global supply chains.

Usage Guide

Context: business, economics, trade

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 大宗交易需要签订正式合同。(Bulk transactions require formal contracts.)
• 大宗商品市场波动很大。(The commodities market is highly volatile.)

Don't Say

• 我买了大宗苹果 (大宗 is for wholesale/commercial contexts — use 很多 or 一大批 for personal purchases)

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (big) + 宗 (clan, category, main). Originally referred to the main lineage, later extended to mean major or bulk.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal