B2 noun Formal 1 min read

大体上

da ti shang /tâ.tì.ʂàŋ/
Practice it

Used to convey that something is true in essence, even if minor details differ.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used to describe something that is generally true.
  • Indicates a focus on the big picture over details.
  • Commonly used to soften a definitive statement.

Overview

  1. 1概述：‘大体上’常用于陈述观点或总结情况，表示虽然存在某些细节偏差，但整体结论是成立的。它体现了一种客观、理性的概括态度，常用于书面语或较为正式的口语交流中。2) 用法模式：该词通常置于谓语动词之前，或用于句首作为状语。结构上常与‘符合’、‘正确’、‘一致’等词连用。例如：‘这个方案大体上是可行的。’3) 常见语境：在工作汇报、学术讨论或新闻评论中，人们常用它来对复杂的情况进行定性。它能有效避免绝对化的表达，体现说话者的谨慎。4) 近义词辨析：与‘基本上’相比，‘大体上’更侧重于从宏观轮廓或大方向上进行判断；‘大概’则更多带有推测语气，强调不确定性；‘总体而言’则更偏向于总结性的评价。

Examples

1

这个项目大体上已经完成了。

everyday

The project is generally complete.

2

大体上，我们对结果感到满意。

formal

On the whole, we are satisfied with the results.

3

虽然有点乱，但大体上还是能找到东西。

informal

It's a bit messy, but generally, I can find things.

4

该理论大体上解释了这一现象。

academic

The theory generally explains this phenomenon.

Common Collocations

大体上一致 generally consistent
大体上可行 generally feasible
大体上正确 broadly correct

Common Phrases

大体上来说

Generally speaking

大体上保持

generally maintain

大体上符合

generally in line with

Often Confused With

大体上 vs 大概

大概 focuses on estimation or uncertainty, while 大体上 focuses on the overall truth.

大体上 vs 基本上

基本上 implies that the foundation is set; it is more colloquial than 大体上.

Grammar Patterns

大体上 + 是/为 + 形容词 大体上 + 动词短语 主语 + 大体上 + 谓语

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term is neutral to formal in register. It is best used in professional or analytical writing. Avoid using it in highly emotional or urgent situations where precision is required.

Common Mistakes

Learners often use it to mean 'approximately' with numbers, which is incorrect. It should only be used for qualitative summaries. Do not place it at the very end of a sentence.

Tips

💡

Focus on the big picture

Use '大体上' when you want to summarize a situation without getting bogged down in minor details. It is a great way to maintain a professional tone.

⚠️

Avoid using it for precise data

Do not use '大体上' when discussing exact figures or specific scientific measurements. It is intended for qualitative, not quantitative precision.

🌍

The virtue of moderation

Chinese culture values modesty and avoiding extremes. Using '大体上' reflects this cultural preference for balanced and measured speech.

Word Origin

The word comes from '大体' (the main body or general outline). Adding '上' turns it into a locative adverbial phrase meaning 'on the main body'.

Cultural Context

The term aligns with the Chinese preference for 'middle ground' and avoiding extreme assertions. It is a linguistic tool for diplomacy and balance.

Memory Tip

Think of it as 'Big Picture' (大体). When you see the big picture, you are looking at things 'generally'.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

在大多数语境下可以互换。但在强调宏观轮廓时，“大体上”显得更书面化，而“基本上”在口语中更为常用。

可以，例如“大体上不正确”。但这种用法较少见，通常用于指出某事物在核心逻辑上存在错误。

它表达的是一种从全局出发的判断，而非推测。它表示对事物本质的把握，而非对事实的不确定。

推荐使用。它能帮助作者在陈述观点时保持客观和严谨，避免过于绝对的定论。

Test Yourself

fill blank

虽然还有些小问题，但这个计划___是完美的。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 大体上

句子强调整体效果，即便有瑕疵，使用“大体上”最符合语境。

Score: /1

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