Japanese Conversation · Level 68
75 words
Japanese word
偉大
Pronunciation
Romajiidai
Meaning
- na-adjectivegreat
Example
彼女は偉大な指導者です。kano jo wa i dai na shi dō sha de su
She is a great leader.
More examples
彼は科学の発展に偉大な貢献をしました。kare wa ka gaku no hat ten ni i dai na kō ken o shi ma shi ta
He made a great contribution to the development of science.
Core concept
Marks someone or something as extraordinary in a way that commands broad respect because of its ability, importance, or impact.
Common phrases
偉大な人物i dai na jin butsu
great person
偉大な功績i dai na kō seki
great achievement
偉大な作家i dai na sak ka
great writer
Similar words
立派rippa: Describes a person, action, or achievement that meets a high standard and deserves respect.
見事migoto: Describes an achievement or performance that is remarkably successful or impressive.
Definition in Japanese
能力や価値、成し遂げたことが普通の水準をはるかに超え、深い敬意を抱かせるほど優れているさま。nō ryoku ya ka chi na shi to ge ta ko to ga fu tsū no sui jun o ha ru ka ni ko e fuka i kei i o ida ka se ru ho do sugu re te i ru sa ma
Word origin
The compound 偉大 (idai) uses 偉 (i, "extraordinary") with 大 (dai, "great"), a form that presents exceptional distinction as great in scale.
Usage tips
- Although English great has many casual uses, 偉大 (idai) usually carries a stronger and more elevated tone when praising a person or achievement.
Other meanings
- outstandingna-adjective
- magnificentna-adjective
- grandna-adjective
Opposites
- 平凡heibonordinaryna-adjective
- 凡庸bonyōmediocrena-adjective
Related words
- 偉大さidaisagreatnessnoun