大小
dàxiǎo
In Chinese, the word for size can be expressed in several ways depending on the context. The default form is 大小 (dàxiǎo). Wiktionary also lists 尺寸 (chǐcùn) and 規模 / 规模 (guīmó).
Meaning: dimensions or magnitude of a thing (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 大小 | dàxiǎo |
| 尺寸 | chǐcùn |
| 規模 / 规模 | guīmó |
The word for size in Chinese varies based on whether you are discussing physical dimensions, general magnitude or the scale of an organization.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 大小 is a compound of the characters 大 (big) and 小 (small), which literally means 'big-small'.
Which one should you use?
Use 尺寸 when referring to specific physical measurements or dimensions, such as the size of clothing or furniture. Use 大小 when referring to the general magnitude or scale of an object, such as the size of a room or the size of a problem. Use 规模 (also written as 規模) when referring to the scale or magnitude of an organization, project or abstract concept rather than a physical object.
How does it change in a sentence?
大小 functions as a noun and can be modified by adjectives, such as 實際 (actual) or 總共 (total).
How do you pronounce it?
dàxiǎo
Did you know?
- The word 尺寸 is used in the idiom 拿捏尺寸, which means to handle a situation with a perfect sense of proportion or tact. Here, 'size' refers to the psychological balance of a social interaction.
- While 大小 means 'size', in a family context it refers to the birth order of children. An eldest child is often called 大 and a younger one 小, turning a measurement of size into a kinship term.
- The word 规模 (scale) is often used to describe the 'size' of a celebration or a feast. A 'large scale' party is not just big in people, but high in luxury and extravagance.
Examples in context
- 宇宙的實際大小至今無人知道。To date nobody knows the actual size of the cosmos.This sentence illustrates how to use 大小 when discussing the scale of the cosmos.Tatoeba #6141373 by soueihin, translation #7841337 by basilhan
- 您知道您的尺寸吗？Do you know your size?This sentence shows how to ask someone for their 尺寸.Tatoeba #512428 by fucongcong, translation #54165 by Eldad
- 它的大小就像雞蛋。It's about the size of an egg.This sentence demonstrates the use of 大小 to compare the scale of an object to an egg.Tatoeba #797089 by Martha, translation #42038 by CK
- 这件衬衫太小了。This shirt is too small.
- 你穿多大号的鞋？What size shoes do you wear?
- 这张桌子的尺寸是多少？What are the dimensions of the table?
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “size” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
