大体

• Reading: だいたい
• Romaji: daitai
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (dai) — large, general; 体 (tai) — body, form
• Pronunciation: /da.i.ta.i/

Meaning

Generally; on the whole; mostly; almost; approximately; roughly; about.

Has two main uses: approximation with numbers or quantities (大体三十分 = about 30 minutes) and generalization (大体わかった = generally understood). Can carry a slightly critical tone when used to mean 'for the most part' (大体あなたが悪い = you're mostly at fault).

Examples

1. 大体三十分で着きます。 It takes about thirty minutes to get there.
2. 仕事は大体終わりました。 The work is mostly finished.
3. 大体の意味はわかります。 I understand the general meaning.

Usage Guide

Context: estimates, summaries, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 大 (dai, large/general) and 体 (tai, body/form). Literally 'the large body' of something — its general form or outline, hence 'roughly' or 'generally.'

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal