夥しい

• Reading: おびただしい
• Romaji: obitadashii
• Kanji breakdown: 夥 (ka) — numerous, many
• Pronunciation: /o.bi.ta.da.ɕiː/

Meaning

Innumerable; vast; immense; enormous in number or quantity. Emphasises an overwhelming amount.

An i-adjective expressing that something exists in an overwhelmingly large quantity. Often used in written or literary contexts — 夥しい数の (an enormous number of), 夥しい量の血 (a vast amount of blood). Stronger than 多い (many) and carries a dramatic, sometimes alarming nuance. The kanji 夥 is uncommon and the word is sometimes written in hiragana.

Examples

1. 台風の後、夥しい量のゴミが海岸に流れ着いた。 After the typhoon, an enormous amount of garbage washed up on the shore.
2. 事故現場には夥しい数の野次馬が集まっていた。 An enormous crowd of onlookers had gathered at the accident scene.
3. 古い図書館には夥しい蔵書が並んでいる。 The old library is lined with an immense collection of books.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, news, descriptions, reports

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 夥 combines 多 (ta, many) and 果 (ka, fruit/result), reinforcing the sense of abundance. Historically used in classical literature to describe overwhelming quantities.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal