大概
dàgài
Probably, approximately
大概 (dà gài) — probably, most likely
Subj. + 大概 (dàgài) + Verb / Adj.
HSK 33.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what大概Action
Rule structure
Before a predicate, 大概 (dàgài) expresses a guess: “probably.” The speaker considers an event likely without stating it as certain. In the example, the speaker assumes that the person has already returned home. Its meaning “approximately this many” is covered separately in “Approximate number with 大概 (dà gài).”
Rule structure
Before a predicate, 大概 (dàgài) expresses a guess: “probably.” The speaker considers an event likely without stating it as certain. In the example, the speaker assumes that the person has already returned home. Its meaning “approximately this many” is covered separately in “Approximate number with 大概 (dà gài).”
Examples
他大概已经回家了。
Tā dàgài yǐjīng huí jiā le.
He has probably already gone home.
明天大概会下雨。
Míngtiān dàgài huì xià yǔ.
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Examples
他大概已经回家了。
Tā dàgài yǐjīng huí jiā le.
He has probably already gone home.
明天大概会下雨。
Míngtiān dàgài huì xià yǔ.
It will probably rain tomorrow.
Try this rule
Two short exercises: see how the rule works in a dialogue and in a sentence. No sign-up needed.
Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “probably, most likely” in Chinese with 大概?
Use the structure: Subj. + 大概 (dàgài) + Verb / Adj.. For example: 他大概已经回家了。 — “He has probably already gone home”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
他大概已经回家了。 — “He has probably already gone home”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Level 3.
Tomyo
Learn Chinese grammar with smart reviews
Grammar explanations, exercises and spaced repetition — all in one app.
More HSK 3.0 Level 3 grammar rules
不是……吗？ — rhetorical questions
不 (bù) 是 (shì)…… 吗 (ma)？
极了 — extremely, very
Adj. + 极了 (jí le)
得很 — very, extremely
Adj. + 得很 (de hěn)
先 — first… then…
先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……
一边 — doing two things at once
一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2
又 — again in the past
又 (yòu) + Verb + 了 (le)
一直 — all along, continuously
Subj. + 一直 (yìzhí) + Verb/Adj.
总是 — always
总是 (zǒngshì) + Predicate