伟大
Traditional: 偉大
wěi dà HSK 5

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

他是一个伟大的科学家。
Tā shì yīgè wěidà de kēxuéjiā.
He is a great scientist.
这个城市很伟大。
Zhège chéngshì hěn wěidà.
This city is very great.
母亲的爱是伟大的。
Mǔqīn de ài shì wěidà de.
A mother's love is great.
他是伟大的人。
Tā shì wěidà de rén.
He is a great person.
祖国真伟大。
Zǔguó zhēn wěidà.
Our country is truly great.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 伟 (wěi) as resembling a 'great person' standing tall, and 大 (dà) meaning 'big'—together, they form 'great and big,' helping you remember it describes something monumental. Associate it with famous figures like Einstein (爱因斯坦) from the example.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is formal and commonly used in both written and spoken contexts, such as in speeches, literature, news, and academic discussions. It is typically applied to describe historically important figures (e.g., leaders, scientists), grand events, noble causes, or impressive natural phenomena.

📖 Grammar Points

伟大 is primarily used as an attributive adjective before nouns (e.g., 伟大的科学家) or as a predicate with 是 (e.g., 这个贡献是伟大的). It can be modified by adverbs like 很, 非常, or 最 to express degree.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, 伟大 is often used in political or historical contexts to honor national heroes, revolutionary figures, or cultural icons, reflecting values of collectivism and respect for legacy. It carries a strong positive connotation and is sometimes used in propaganda or patriotic discourse.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 大 (dà, big/large), which is neutral and general, 伟大 emphasizes grandeur and moral or historical importance. Unlike 厉害 (lìhai, awesome/tough), which is more casual and can describe skills, 伟大 is formal and reserved for truly exceptional, revered subjects.

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