大概 (dàgài) — approximately
HSK 3 | adverb | approximately, probably, roughly — an estimate rather than exact figure
大概 (dàgài)
大概 means approximately, roughly, or probably. It signals that the speaker is estimating rather than giving a precise figure, and can also express probability about a future event.
Meanings
- [adverb] Approximately; roughly; about; around.
- [adverb] Probably; most likely.
Example Sentences
我大概明天下午到。 Wǒ dàgài míngtiān xiàwǔ dào. I'll probably arrive tomorrow afternoon.
这里大概有两百个人。 Zhèlǐ dàgài yǒu liǎngbǎi gè rén. There are approximately two hundred people here.
他大概是生病了，所以没来。 Tā dàgài shì shēngbìng le, suǒyǐ méi lái. He probably got sick, which is why he didn't come.
完成这个任务大概需要三个小时。 Wánchéng zhège rènwù dàgài xūyào sān gè xiǎoshí. Completing this task will take approximately three hours.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 大概是 | probably is |
| 大概需要 | approximately need |
| 大概有 | approximately there are |
| 大概了解 | have a rough understanding |
| 大概知道 | roughly know |
Memory Hook
大 (big / large) plus 概 (roughly / outline). A large-brushstroke outline — not precise, just the general shape of things.