絶大

• Reading: ぜつだい
• Romaji: zetsudai
• Kanji breakdown: 絶 (zetsu/ze) — absolute, extreme; 大 (dai/ta) — great, large
• Pronunciation: /ze.tsɯ.da.i/

Meaning

Tremendous; immense; enormous. Describes an extremely large degree of power, influence, or support.

A na-adjective meaning overwhelmingly great or immense in scale. Commonly paired with abstract nouns like 人気 (popularity), 信頼 (trust), 支持 (support), or 影響力 (influence). Used almost exclusively for positive or neutral qualities — rarely for negative things. The phrase 絶大な人気 (tremendous popularity) is especially common.

Examples

1. そのアイドルは若者から絶大な人気を誇る。 That idol enjoys tremendous popularity among young people.
2. 社長は社員から絶大な信頼を得ている。 The president has earned immense trust from the employees.
3. 新薬の開発は医学界に絶大な影響を与えた。 The development of the new drug had an enormous impact on the medical world.

Usage Guide

Context: news, business, entertainment

Tone: emphatic

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 絶 (zetsu, absolute/extreme) + 大 (dai, great/large). Literally 'extremely great,' emphasising that something exceeds normal limits.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal