Comparing "dagai" and "dayue"

大概 (dàgài) and 大约 (dàyuē) are adverbs that can often be used interchangeably to mean probably, about, or approximately. Both are used in informal/formal settings. A key difference between these words is that 大概 has a much wider use, as it can be used as a noun to mean a general idea and also as an adjective to mean general or approximate.











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大概 (dàgài) 大约 (dàyuē)
Meaning probably, about, approximately, general idea, general, approximate probably, about, approximately
Part of Speech adverb, noun, adjective adverb
Formality flexible flexible

To say to probably, about, approximately both 大概 and 大约 can be used.

Common Phrases

In the following examples both 大概 and 大约 can be used.

  • ~12点
  • ~100个人
  • ~一千公里

To say a general idea use 大概.

Common Phrases

  • 知道个大概

To say a general, rough, or approximate use 大概.

Common Phrases

  • 大概的情况
  • 大概的意思