Translation and Meaning of: 巨大 - kyodai

The Japanese word 巨大[きょだい] is a fascinating term that carries deep meanings and varied uses in everyday life in Japan. If you are learning Japanese or simply curious about this language, understanding what this word represents can open doors to better comprehend Japanese culture and mentality. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and how it is perceived in Japan.

Additionally, we will see how 巨大 is used in different contexts, from everyday descriptions to references in Japanese media. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your studies, Suki Nihongo offers accurate information and practical examples to master words like this.

Meaning and use of 巨大 in the Japanese language

巨大[きょだい] is an adjective (or noun, depending on the context) that means "giant," "enormous," or "colossal." It is often used to describe objects, structures, or phenomena that stand out due to their impressive size or scale. For example, it can be applied to skyscrapers, monumental statues, or even events of great magnitude.

In Japan, this word appears frequently in news, tourist descriptions, and even in informal conversations when one wants to emphasize something really big. An interesting detail is that, although it is a formal term, it can also be used in a more relaxed manner, depending on the tone of the conversation.

Origin and kanji writing of 巨大

The word 巨大 is composed of two kanji: 巨 (kyo), which means "giant" or "immense," and 大 (dai), which means "big." Together, they reinforce the idea of something extraordinarily large. This combination is not random; it follows the common logic in Japanese of combining kanji to create terms with more specific or intensified meanings.

It's worth noting that both kanjis are often used in other Japanese words. For example, 大 appears in terms like 大学 (daigaku, "university") and 大人 (otona, "adult"), while 巨 can be seen in words like 巨人 (kyojin, "giant" or "titan"). This familiarity helps Japanese students to memorize 巨大 more easily.

Cultural usage and practical examples of 巨大

In Japan, 巨大 is a word that transcends the literal meaning of "big." It can carry connotations of admiration, astonishment, or even concern, depending on the context. For example, when used to describe a typhoon or earthquake, it conveys the idea of something powerful and potentially dangerous. In positive contexts, such as when talking about a work of art or architectural construction, it evokes a sense of grandeur and wonder.

In Japanese media, 巨大 frequently appears in movie titles, animes, and news. A well-known example is the term 巨大ロボット (kyodai robotto, "giant robot"), common in mecha series like "Mazinger Z" or "Neon Genesis Evangelion." This usage reinforces how the word is rooted not only in vocabulary but also in the popular imagination of Japan.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 巨大 (Kyodai) - Gigantic, enormous
• 巨大な (Kyodai na) - Gigantic, on a large scale (adjective)
• 大きい (Ōkii) - Big, wide
• 大規模な (Daisukibo na) - On a large scale, massive
• 大量の (Tairyō no) - In large quantities
• 膨大な (Bōdai na) - Extensive, immense
• 巨額の (Kyogaku no) - Gigantic amount (financial)
• 巨人のような (Kyojin no yō na) - Like a giant

巨大

Romaji: kyodai
Kana: きょだい
Type: Adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: immense; gigantic; colossal

Meaning in English: huge;gigantic;enormous

Definition: Muito grande.

Example Sentences - (巨大) kyodai

See below some example sentences:

巨大な建物が見えます。

Kyodai na tatemono ga miemasu

You can see a huge building.

You can see a huge building.

• 巨大な - means "huge" in Japanese
• 建物 - means "building" in Japanese
• が - is a grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 見えます - is a verb meaning "to see" or "to appear" in Japanese, conjugated in the affirmative present tense

巨大な建物が見えます。

Kyodai na tatemono ga miemasu

I see a huge building.

You can see a huge building.

• 巨大な (Kyodaina) - large
• 建物 (Tatemono) - building
• が (Ga) - subject particle
• 見えます (Miemasu) - can be seen