广大

guǎng dà

(of an area) vast or extensive

HSK 5

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The adjective '广大' (guǎng dà) describes something that is vast, extensive, or large in scope. It is commonly used to refer to physical areas like forests, lands, or spaces, emphasizing their broadness or size. Additionally, it can describe large groups of people or a wide range of subjects, such as '广大群众' (the vast majority of people) or '广大' (a large number of young people).

Common Collocations

  • 广大群众: refers to a large group of people, often used in political or social contexts to indicate the general public.
  • 广大地区: vast regions or areas.
  • 广大: many young people, emphasizing their number and involvement.

Usage Notes

'广大' is more formal and often used in written or formal spoken Chinese. It conveys a sense of scale and inclusiveness. It differs from simply '' (big) by emphasizing breadth and extent rather than just size. Avoid using '广大' for small or limited spaces or groups.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse '广大' with '广' (kuān guǎng), which emphasizes width or spaciousness more than extent. '广大' stresses the vastness or large scale, often in a figurative or collective sense.

Example Sentences

这片森林面积广大,是许多动物的家园。

Zhè piàn sēnlín miànjī guǎngdà, shì xǔduō dòngwù de jiāyuán.

This forest covers a vast area and is home to many animals.

广大群众对新政策表示支持。

Guǎngdà qúnzhòng duì xīn zhèngcè biǎoshì zhīchí.

The vast majority of the people express support for the new policy.

广大青年积极参与社会活动。

Guǎngdà qīngnián jījí cānyù shèhuì huódòng.

A large number of young people actively participate in social activities.