偉大

• Reading: いだい
• Romaji: idai
• Kanji breakdown: 偉 (i) — greatness, admirable; 大 (dai/tai) — big, great
• Pronunciation: /i.da.i/

Meaning

Great; mighty; magnificent. Describes exceptional accomplishment or impressive stature.

A na-adjective used to praise historical figures, achievements, or contributions on a grand scale. Common collocations include 偉大な人物 (a great person), 偉大な業績 (great achievements). More elevated and literary than すごい, reserved for genuinely remarkable subjects.

Examples

1. 彼女は偉大な科学者として知られている。 She is known as a great scientist.
2. 偉大な発見は偶然から生まれることもある。 Great discoveries can sometimes come from chance.
3. 祖父は私にとって偉大な存在だ。 My grandfather is a towering figure in my life.

Usage Guide

Context: biography, history, speeches

Tone: reverent

Origin & History

Compound of 偉 (i, greatness/admirable) and 大 (dai, large/grand). The kanji 偉 contains the person radical (亻), suggesting an admirable person, combined with elements meaning 'extraordinary.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal