大まか

• Reading: おおまか
• Romaji: oomaka
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (ō) — large, great
• Pronunciation: /oː.ma.ka/

Meaning

Rough; broad; general; approximate. Describes something done without fine detail.

A na-adjective meaning approximate or lacking in fine detail. Used for estimates, plans, and outlines — 大まかな計画 (a rough plan), 大まかに言えば (broadly speaking). It is neutral to slightly casual and does not carry the negative connotation of being sloppy, but rather suggests a deliberate choice to focus on the big picture.

Examples

1. 大まかなスケジュールだけ先に決めよう。 Let's settle on a rough schedule first.
2. 内容を大まかに説明してもらえますか。 Could you give me a general overview of the content?
3. 大まかな見積もりでは百万円ぐらいかかる。 A rough estimate puts the cost at around one million yen.

Usage Guide

Context: planning, estimation, explanation, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From native Japanese 大 (ō, large) + まか (maka, an old word related to 'entrusting' or 'leaving things as they are'). The sense evolved to describe something dealt with in broad strokes rather than precisely.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal