Comparing "dagai" and "dayue"
大概 and 大约 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.
| 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 |
Contents
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
