Meanings of 大致
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Podcast: 大致
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AI Study Notes for 大致
大概 (dàgài) - use 大致 for a slightly more formal tone or when providing a more precise approximation.
大致 is often used in informal contexts, but can also appear in formal writing. A common mistake is using it to imply exactness; instead, it should convey a sense of vagueness. Be aware of tone changes, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.
At HSK Level 6, 大致 is a useful word for discussing non-specific quantities or estimates. Students should practice using it in sentences to describe situations where precision isn’t necessary, linking it with other estimation words like '大约' (dàyuē) which means 'approximately.'
Learners often confuse 大致 with 精确 (jīngquè), which means 'precise.' For example, saying '这个大致的时间是两点' (This approximate time is two o'clock) is incorrect when exactness is needed; instead, use '这个精确的时间是两点.'
Pronunciation of 大致
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Jason Explains 大致 to You
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say more or less in Chinese
“more or less” in Chinese is大致
大致 (dàzhì) means 'more or less' or 'approximately,' often used to express an estimation or rough idea about a quantity, time, or description. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to convey that something is not exact but close to being correct.
When to use 大致
大致 is often used in informal contexts, but can also appear in formal writing. A common mistake is using it to imply exactness; instead, it should convey a sense of vagueness. Be aware of tone changes, as mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.
大致 or something close to it
大概 (dàgài) - use 大致 for a slightly more formal tone or when providing a more precise approximation.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 大致 with 精确 (jīngquè), which means 'precise.' For example, saying '这个大致的时间是两点' (This approximate time is two o'clock) is incorrect when exactness is needed; instead, use '这个精确的时间是两点.'
Write 大致
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Practice writing 大致 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 大致
大致 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 3 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.
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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我已经____知道他长什么样子了。
I've got a rough idea of what he looks like.
Example Sentences for 大致 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 大致
Yes, 大致 can be used in formal contexts, but ensure that the vagueness is appropriate for your audience.
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