Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
重大zhòngdà(zhong4da4)
The term 重大 (zhòngdà) means 'great,' 'important,' or 'significant,' often used to describe matters of considerable weight or influence. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize the seriousness or importance of something, such as a decision, event, or issue.
Strokes12Frequency#2492DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of significance is often linked to collectivism, where decisions affecting the group are deemed more important than individual desires. The term 重大 might be used in discussions about national policy or social issues, reflecting the communal values.
Memory Tip
Think of a giant weighing a ton (zhòng) and carrying a big responsibility (dà) on its shoulders; this image captures the weightiness and importance of the word 重大. Visualize this giant making critical decisions that affect many lives, reinforcing the word's meaning.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 重大
Quick Contrast
重要 (zhòngyào) vs 关键 (guānjiàn) — use 重大 for matters of considerable weight, while 重要 emphasizes importance and 关键 highlights critical points.
Usage Notes
Watch for the tone when pronouncing 重大, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words. It is often used in formal contexts, such as news reports or academic discussions, but can also appear in everyday conversation when discussing important topics.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 重大 connects with other words expressing importance or significance at this level, like 重要 (zhòngyào) and 影响 (yǐngxiǎng). Students should focus on using it in context and recognizing its collocations with verbs and nouns that denote importance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 重大 with 重要 (zhòngyào), thinking they are interchangeable; however, 重大 emphasizes a more serious weight or impact. For example, saying '这件事很重要' (This matter is important) is correct, but if the situation is critical, use '这件事非常重大' to convey the severity.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 重大
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 重大 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
The term 重大 (zhòngdà) means 'great,' 'important,' or 'significant,' often used to describe matters of considerable weight or influence. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to emphasize the seriousness or importance of something, such as a decision, event, or issue.
When to use 重大
Watch for the tone when pronouncing 重大, as mispronouncing it can lead to confusion with other words. It is often used in formal contexts, such as news reports or academic discussions, but can also appear in everyday conversation when discussing important topics.
重大 or something close to it
重要 (zhòngyào) vs 关键 (guānjiàn) — use 重大 for matters of considerable weight, while 重要 emphasizes importance and 关键 highlights critical points.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 重大 with 重要 (zhòngyào), thinking they are interchangeable; however, 重大 emphasizes a more serious weight or impact. For example, saying '这件事很重要' (This matter is important) is correct, but if the situation is critical, use '这件事非常重大' to convey the severity.
Write 重大
重
大
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 重大 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 重大
重大 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
