Understanding "大规模" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 大规模
• Pinyin: dà guī mó
• Literal Meaning: "big + standard/rule + pattern/scale"
• Primary Meaning: large-scale; on a massive scale

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  大规模 is used to describe something happening on a very large scale, involving a large amount, wide area, or many people/resources. It is often used in formal or semi-formal contexts such as news reports, business, economics, science, construction, military topics, social policy, and technology.

In English, it is often translated as:
- large-scale
- massive
- extensive

A key point for learners: 大规模 usually works like an adjective and often comes before a noun. For example:
- 大规模生产 = large-scale production
- 大规模投资 = large-scale investment
- 大规模裁员 = large-scale layoffs

It can also describe an action or event:
- 进行大规模调查 = carry out a large-scale investigation
- 爆发大规模冲突 = large-scale conflict breaks out

Nuance:
- 大规模 emphasizes scale and scope, not just intensity.
- It is more formal than everyday words like 很大.
- It is commonly used when the speaker wants to highlight that something is organized, widespread, or involves substantial resources.

• Character Breakdown:
• 大: big, large
• 规: rule, standard, regulation
• 模: model, pattern, form

Together, 规模 means "scale" or "scope." Adding 大 gives 大规模, meaning "large-scale."

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 这家公司正在进行大规模招聘。
• Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī zhèngzài jìnxíng dà guīmó zhāopìn.

• English: This company is carrying out large-scale recruitment.

• Chinese: 政府计划在农村地区开展大规模基础设施建设。

• Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ jìhuà zài nóngcūn dìqū kāizhǎn dà guīmó jīchǔ shèshī jiànshè.

• English: The government plans to launch large-scale infrastructure construction in rural areas.

• Chinese: 由于天气恶劣，机场出现了大规模航班延误。

• Pinyin: Yóuyú tiānqì èliè, jīchǎng chūxiàn le dà guīmó hángbān yánwù.
• English: Due to severe weather, the airport experienced large-scale flight delays.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

大规模 is a very common word in modern Chinese, especially in media and official communication. You will often see it in news headlines discussing economics, public policy, technology development, environmental action, and emergency situations.

Because Chinese news and formal writing often focus on the size and impact of events, words like 大规模 appear frequently. For learners, recognizing this word can greatly improve reading comprehension in articles and reports.

Also, note the related word 规模 by itself, which means "scale" or "scope." This is very useful in expressions such as:
- 企业规模 = company scale
- 扩大规模 = expand the scale
- 经济规模 = economic scale

Conclusion

To remember 大规模, think of it as "large-scale" or "on a massive scale." The core idea is not just that something is big, but that it involves a broad scope, many resources, or widespread impact. It is especially useful in formal Chinese, business, news, and academic contexts.