Japanese word

広大

Pronunciation

Romajikōdai

Meaning

  • na-adjectivevast

Example

その土地は広大です。so no to chi wa kō dai de su

That land is vast.

Illustration for 広大 (vast)

More examples

広大な地域を一日で回るのは大変です。kō dai na chi iki o ichi nichi de mawa ru no wa tai hen de su

It is difficult to travel around a vast region in one day.

Core concept

Describes something that extends over an exceptionally large area or scale, often with a sense of openness rather than mere bulk.

Common phrases

  • 広大な土地kō dai na to chi

    vast land

  • 広大な海kō dai na umi

    vast sea

  • 広大な森林kō dai na shin rin

    vast forest

Similar words

広闊kōkatsu: Describes a broad, open space with few physical limits or obstructions.
雄大yūdai: Describes a grand, impressive scale that is often seen in natural scenery or landscapes.
壮大sōdai: Describes a grand scale or scope that extends well beyond ordinary expectations.

Definition in Japanese

面積や範囲、規模などがきわめて大きく、広々としているさま。men seki ya han i ki bo na do ga ki wa me te ō ki ku hiro biro to shi te i ru sa ma

Word origin

広大 (kōdai) combines 広 (kō, "wide") and 大 (dai, "large"), giving the word its sense of vast extent.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 広大 (kōdai) sounds more formal and expansive than 大きい (ōkii), so it commonly describes land, space, or a scale rather than an ordinary object.

Other meanings

  • extensivena-adjective
  • hugena-adjective

Opposites

  • 狭小kyōshōcrampedna-adjective

Related words

  • 広大さkōdaisavastnessnoun

Word lists with this word