大意

• Reading: たいい
• Romaji: taii
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (tai/dai/oo) — big, broad, great; 意 (i) — meaning, intention, will
• Pronunciation: /ta.iː/

Meaning

Gist; outline; synopsis. The general meaning or main points of a text or speech.

A noun referring to the overall meaning of a passage, speech, or document. Commonly used in academic and test-taking contexts, especially in instructions like 大意をまとめなさい (summarise the gist). Less common in casual conversation but essential for reading comprehension exercises at the N2 level.

Examples

1. まず文章の大意をつかんでから細部を読もう。 First grasp the gist of the text, then read the details.
2. 大意を簡潔にまとめるのは意外と難しい。 Summarizing the gist concisely is surprisingly difficult.
3. この段落の大意を三行で書いてください。 Please write the gist of this paragraph in three lines.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, reading comprehension, writing

Tone: instructional

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (tai, big/broad) + 意 (i, meaning/intention). Literally 'broad meaning,' referring to the overarching sense rather than specific details.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Students and academics

Social background: Educated