大体
dà tǐ
Generally, on the whole
大体 (dà tǐ) — broadly, on the whole
大体 (dàtǐ) + Predicate; 概 (gài) + 不 (bù) + Verb; 皆 (jiē) / 尽 (jìn) / 均 (jūn) + Predicate
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what大体Action
Who / what概不Action
Who / what皆尽均Action
Rule structure
大体 (dàtǐ) means "roughly, in general" and softens a statement. 概 (gài) is almost never used alone in modern Chinese: it survives in 一概 (yígài) "without exception" and 概不 (gàibù) "under no circumstances". 皆 (jiē) and 均 (jūn) are literary generalizers meaning "all, everything", with 均 (jūn) often stressing equal measure. 尽 (jìn) means "all, entirely" and normally precedes the verb.
Rule structure
大体 (dàtǐ) means "roughly, in general" and softens a statement. 概 (gài) is almost never used alone in modern Chinese: it survives in 一概 (yígài) "without exception" and 概不 (gàibù) "under no circumstances". 皆 (jiē) and 均 (jūn) are literary generalizers meaning "all, everything", with 均 (jūn) often stressing equal measure. 尽 (jìn) means "all, entirely" and normally precedes the verb.
Examples
这些要求大体相同，各部门均须遵守。
Zhèxiē yāoqiú dàtǐ xiāngtóng, gè bùmén jūn xū zūnshǒu.
These requirements are broadly similar, and all departments must comply.
Examples
这些要求大体相同，各部门均须遵守。
Zhèxiē yāoqiú dàtǐ xiāngtóng, gè bùmén jūn xū zūnshǒu.
These requirements are broadly similar, and all departments must comply.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “broadly, on the whole” in Chinese with 大体?
Use the structure: 大体 (dàtǐ) + Predicate; 概 (gài) + 不 (bù) + Verb; 皆 (jiē) / 尽 (jìn) / 均 (jūn) + Predicate. For example: 这些要求大体相同，各部门均须遵守。 — “These requirements are broadly similar, and all departments must comply”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
这些要求大体相同，各部门均须遵守。 — “These requirements are broadly similar, and all departments must comply”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
向来 — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
偏 — contrary to expectations
Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)
按理 — logically speaking
按理 (ànlǐ) / 按说 (ànshuō) + Clause (conclusion that clashes with the fact)
不妨 vs 务必 — advice vs requirement
不妨 (bùfáng) + Verb Phrase (soft suggestion) / 务必 (wùbì) + Verb Phrase (insistent requirement)
照常 — as usual
Subj. + 照常 (zhàocháng) / 照例 (zhàolì) / 照样 (zhàoyàng) + Verb
碰巧 / 恰巧 — coincidence
Subj. + 碰巧 (pèngqiǎo) / 恰巧 (qiàqiǎo) + Verb Phrase