Understanding "强大" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 强大
• Pinyin: qiáng dà
• Literal Meaning: "strong + big"
• Primary Meaning: Powerful; strong; mighty (often used to describe physical strength, military power, economic capability, or influential entities).

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"强大" is an adjective used to describe something or someone with exceptional strength, power, or influence. It can refer to:
- Physical strength (e.g., a strong athlete).
- Military or economic power (e.g., a powerful country).
- Abstract strength (e.g., a powerful argument or system).

Nuances:
- Often carries a positive connotation, implying respect or admiration.
- Can be used for both living beings (e.g., people, animals) and non-living entities (e.g., nations, technologies).

Character Breakdown

• 强 (qiáng): Strong, powerful, forceful.
• 大 (dà): Big, large, great.
  Together, they emphasize not just strength but also scale or magnitude.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 中国是一个强大的国家。
   Pinyin: Zhōngguó shì yīgè qiángdà de guójiā.
   English: China is a powerful country.

2. Chinese: 他的意志非常强大。
   Pinyin: Tā de yìzhì fēicháng qiángdà.
   English: His willpower is extremely strong.

3. Chinese: 这家公司有强大的技术支持。
   Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī yǒu qiángdà de jìshù zhīchí.
   English: This company has powerful technical support.

Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, "强大" is often associated with collective strength, such as national pride or teamwork. Historically, it reflects Confucian values of harmony and resilience, where strength is not just individual but also societal. Modern usage frequently appears in contexts like technological advancement ("强大的科技") or economic growth ("强大的经济").

Conclusion

"强大" (qiáng dà) is a versatile word describing formidable strength or power, applicable to people, nations, and abstract concepts. Remember: 强 = strong, 大 = big → combined, they signify "powerful." Use it to praise capability or emphasize scale!