Keywords: dadu, dàdù, 大度, magnanimous in Chinese, tolerant in Chinese, generous meaning, how to say forgiving in Chinese, broad-minded, big-hearted Chinese, Chinese personality traits
Summary: Learn the meaning of 大度 (dàdù), a key Chinese term describing a person who is magnanimous, tolerant, and forgiving. This page explores the cultural significance of being 大度, how it differs from simply being “generous,” and how to use it correctly in conversation. Discover why being broad-minded is a highly respected virtue in Chinese culture through practical examples and cultural insights.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): dàdù
Part of Speech: Adjective
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: Describes a person who is tolerant, forgiving, and not petty; broad-minded or magnanimous.
In a Nutshell:大度 (dàdù) literally translates to “big capacity.” It doesn't refer to physical size, but to the size of someone's heart and mind. A person who is 大度 has a large capacity for forgiveness and understanding. They don't get angry over small mistakes, they don't hold grudges, and they can handle criticism with grace. It's a powerful compliment that signifies maturity, wisdom, and high moral character.
Character Breakdown
大 (dà): This character means “big” or “large.” It's one of the simplest and most common characters, originally a pictogram of a person with their arms stretched wide.
度 (dù): This character means “degree,” “measure,” or “capacity.”
The Combination: Together, 大度 (dàdù) creates the image of having a “large capacity” or “big measure.” This refers to one's emotional and mental capacity to tolerate others' faults, overlook minor offenses, and act with grace and generosity of spirit.
Cultural Context and Significance
大度 (dàdù) is more than just a personality trait; it's a deeply ingrained cultural virtue in China, closely linked to Confucian ideals. The concept of the jūnzǐ (君子), or the “ideal gentleman,” includes being 大度. Such a person contributes to social harmony (和谐, héxié) by not escalating minor conflicts.
Comparison to Western Culture: The closest English concept is “being the bigger person” or “magnanimous.” However, there's a key difference. In the West, “being the bigger person” is often a conscious, situational choice one makes to end a conflict. In China, 大度 is seen as a fundamental, consistent part of one's character. A truly 大度 person acts this way naturally, without effort. It's not just about resolving conflict; it's about preventing it by having a broad-minded perspective from the start. Being 大度 is also a way of giving someone “face” (面子, miànzi), as you graciously overlook their mistake, allowing them to maintain their dignity.
Practical Usage in Modern China
大度 (dàdù) is used frequently in daily life to praise someone's character. It carries a very positive and respectful connotation.
In the Workplace: A good manager is often described as 大度 because they can forgive employees' honest mistakes and focus on the bigger picture. This fosters loyalty and a positive work environment.
In Personal Relationships: You might praise a friend for being 大度 if they weren't angry that you were late. A romantic partner who doesn't get jealous or upset over trivial matters is considered very 大度.
As a Form of Self-Criticism: Someone might say, “是我的错，我太不大度了” (Shì wǒ de cuò, wǒ tài bú dàdù le - “It's my fault, I wasn't being tolerant enough”), acknowledging that they overreacted to a small issue.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
他是一个很大度的领导，从不为小事批评我们。
Pinyin: Tā shì yí ge hěn dàdù de lǐngdǎo, cóng bù wèi xiǎoshì pīpíng wǒmen.
English: He is a very magnanimous leader; he never criticizes us for trivial matters.
Analysis: This is a common way to praise a superior. It implies the leader is wise and focuses on what's important.
Example 2:
你男朋友真大度，你把他最喜欢的杯子打破了，他竟然一点儿也没生气。
Pinyin: Nǐ nánpéngyou zhēn dàdù, nǐ bǎ tā zuì xǐhuan de bēizi dǎpò le, tā jìngrán yīdiǎnr yě méi shēngqì.
English: Your boyfriend is so tolerant! You broke his favorite mug, and he didn't even get a little angry.
Analysis: Here, 大度 is used to describe someone's forgiving nature in a personal relationship.
Example 3:
谢谢你的理解，你真大度。
Pinyin: Xièxie nǐ de lǐjiě, nǐ zhēn dàdù.
English: Thank you for your understanding, you are truly magnanimous.
Analysis: A simple and powerful way to thank someone for being forgiving or gracious.
English: Between a husband and wife, both sides should be a bit more tolerant in order to live together harmoniously.
Analysis: This ties 大度 directly to the goal of harmony (和睦), a key value in Chinese family life.
Example 10:
这位客户很挑剔，但老板很大度地满足了他所有的要求。
Pinyin: Zhè wèi kèhù hěn tiāotì, dàn lǎobǎn hěn dàdù de mǎnzúle tā suǒyǒu de yāoqiú.
English: This client was very picky, but the boss magnanimously met all of his demands.
Analysis: In a business context, 大度 can describe going above and beyond to satisfy someone, showing generosity of spirit rather than just financial generosity.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Don't confuse 大度 (dàdù) with being financially generous. This is the most common mistake for learners. 大度 is about generosity of spirit: being tolerant, forgiving, and broad-minded. For financial generosity (willing to spend money on others), the better word is 慷慨 (kāngkǎi).
Correct: 他很慷慨，请我们吃了大餐。(Tā hěn kāngkǎi, qǐng wǒmen chīle dàcān. - He is very generous, he treated us to a big meal.)
Correct: 我迟到了，但他很大度，说没关系。(Wǒ chídào le, dàn tā hěn dàdù, shuō méi guānxi. - I was late, but he was very tolerant and said it was okay.)
大度 describes a person's character, not an object or situation. You can't say a house, a plan, or a meal is 大度. It's only used for people or their actions and attitudes.
Incorrect: 这个设计很大度。 (Zhège shèjì hěn dàdù.)
Correct: 这个设计很大气。(Zhège shèjì hěn dàqì. - This design is grand/magnificent.)
Related Terms and Concepts
小气 (xiǎoqì) - The direct antonym of 大度. It means petty, stingy, or narrow-minded.
宽容 (kuānróng) - A very close synonym meaning “tolerant” or “lenient.” 宽容 often focuses specifically on the act of tolerating something, while 大度 describes the overall broad-minded character.
慷慨 (kāngkǎi) - Generous, especially with money or resources. Use this when talking about financial generosity, as opposed to the spiritual generosity of 大度.
大方 (dàfāng) - Generous (can be with money or spirit), and also means poised, natural, and at ease. It has some overlap with 大度 but is a broader term.
斤斤计较 (jīnjīn jìjiào) - A chengyu (idiom) that means “to haggle over every ounce.” It describes the behavior of a petty (小气) person and is the complete opposite of being 大度.
宰相肚里能撑船 (zǎixiàng dùlǐ néng chēngchuán) - A classic idiom literally meaning “A prime minister's belly is big enough to pole a boat in.” It is the ultimate description of a person who is exceptionally tolerant and magnanimous—the highest level of 大度.