Translation and Meaning of: 偉大 - idai

The Japanese word 偉大 (いだい - idai) carries an impressive historical and cultural weight. If you've come across it in manga, speeches, or even song lyrics, you must have noticed that it is not used for just any type of "greatness" — there is an aura of respect and iration attached to it. In this article, we will explore its etymology, the meaning behind the kanji, how it is used in everyday Japanese life, and even tips for memorizing it for good. And if you are looking for ready-made sentences to add to Anki or another spaced repetition system, we will also include practical examples to boost your studies.

Many people search on Google not only for the meaning of 偉大, but also for its origin, correct writing, and even how to differentiate it from similar . If this is your case, you are in the right place. Here, in addition to uncovering the history of this word, we will talk about its use in real contexts – from praises to historical figures to descriptions of monumental achievements. Shall we?

Etymology and Composition of Kanjis

The kanji 偉 (い - i), which forms the first part of 偉大, carries the idea of "remarkable," "distinct," or "extraordinary." The second character, 大 (だい - dai), is much more well-known and means "big" or "huge." When combined, they form a term that goes beyond physical size — it speaks of a greatness that impresses, whether through merit, impact, or historical relevance.

Interestingly, this combination did not come from nowhere. In ancient China, where many kanjis originated, 偉大 was already used to describe emperors, generals, and monumental works. The Japanese adopted the term, maintaining the connotation of something or someone that transcends the ordinary. It's no wonder that you find it in contexts like "偉大な指導者" (an extraordinary leader) or "偉大な功績" (a grand achievement).

Everyday Lies and Special Contexts

Unlike words like 大きい (ookii), which describe literal size, 偉大 is reserved for things and people that leave a legacy. Imagine a scientist who revolutionizes their field, an artist whose work transcends generations, or even a discovery that changes humanity — all are perfect candidates to be called 偉大. In Japan, it is common to see the term in documentaries, biographies, and even in motivational speeches.

But be careful: using 偉大 to praise someone's dish or an everyday object would sound exaggerated, almost comical. It has a solemn tone, so it's more often found in formal texts or speeches filled with iration. One tip is to pay attention to how it's used in news about deceased personalities — the term often appears to summarize a life of contributions.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

If you're struggling to 偉大, an infallible technique is to associate it with figures you already consider great. Think of names like Einstein, Mandela, or Marie Curie — all would fit perfectly into the description of 偉大な人物. Another trick is to create flashcards with images of monuments or historical events, linking them to the term. Visual repetition helps to memorize not only the writing but also the emotional weight of the word.

One curiosity that few people know: 偉大 has even been used in the names of ships and important awards in Japan. In 2019, for example, a space telescope named "偉大な探査" (Great Exploration) made headlines. These uses show how the term is connected to inspiring achievements — and how it remains alive in modern vocabulary. Why not try to create a sentence with it today?

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 偉大な (idai na) - Great, magnificent
• 偉大なる (idai naru) - Large, magnificent (more formal form)
• 偉大なるもの (idai naru mono) - Grandeur, magnificent thing
• 大いなる (ōinaru) - Great, elevated (more poetic or formal)
• 大きな (ōkina) - large (size)
• すばらしい (subarashii) - Excellent, wonderful
• すごい (sugoi) - Incredible, impressive
• とてもすばらしい (totemo subarashii) - Very wonderful
• とても偉大な (totemo idai na) - Very big, very magnificent
• とても大きな (totemo ōkina) - Very large (size)
• とても立派な (totemo rippa na) - Very dignified, impressive
• とても素晴らしい (totemo subarashii) - Very excellent, wonderful
• 立派な (rippa na) - Worthy, impressive
• 素晴らしい (subarashii) - Excellent, wonderful
• 雄大な (yūdaina) - Grandiose, majestic
• 雄大なるもの (yūdai naru mono) - Great, majestic thing
• 雄大なる力 (yūdai naru chikara) - Great power
• 雄大なる存在 (yūdai naru sonzai) - Grandiose existence