大 – Big / Large (Ookii Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 大.
Kanji 大 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
大 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
ダイ is used in words like 大学 (daigaku – university) and 大事 (daiji – important). タイ appears in words such as 大切 (taisetsu – important, precious) and 大変 (taihen – difficult, terrible).
Used as the adjective 大きい (ookii – big) and the prefix おお- in words such as 大雨 (ooame – heavy rain) and 大声 (oogoe – loud voice).
大 Stroke Order – How to Write 大
大 is written with 3 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top horizontal stroke first, then the long diagonal from top-center down to the left, followed by the diagonal from top-center down to the right.
Common Words Using 大 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 大, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 大
See 大 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
この犬はとても大きいです。
この いぬは とても おおきいです。
Kono inu wa totemo ookii desu.
This dog is very big.
兄は大学生です。
あには だいがくせいです。
Ani wa daigakusei desu.
My older brother is a university student.
家族はとても大切です。
かぞくは とても たいせつです。
Kazoku wa totemo taisetsu desu.
Family is very important.
彼女は音楽が大好きです。
かのじょは おんがくが だいすきです。
Kanojo wa ongaku ga daisuki desu.
She loves music very much.
今日は大雨が降っています。
きょうは おおあめが ふっています。
Kyou wa ooame ga futte imasu.
It is raining heavily today.
Frequently Asked Questions About 大
What does the Kanji 大 mean?
大 means "big" or "large." It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji, seen in words like 大きい (ookii, big) and 大学 (daigaku, university).
What is the Onyomi reading of 大?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) readings of 大 are ダイ (dai) and タイ (tai), as in 大学 (daigaku, university) and 大切 (taisetsu, important).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 大?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 大 is おお/おおきい (oo/ookii), meaning "big" or "large."
How many strokes does 大 have?
大 is written with 3 strokes.
Is 大 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 大 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is one of the most frequently used kanji, appearing in everyday words like 大学 (university) and 大きい (big).
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