dà shù jù: 大数据 - Big Data

• Keywords: dà shù jù, 大数据, Big Data in China, Chinese for big data, dàshùjù, data science in China, China technology, AI in China, Chinese tech terms, government surveillance China.
• Summary: “大数据” (dà shù jù) is the direct Chinese translation for “Big Data,” a term crucial for understanding modern China. It refers to the massive datasets used to power everything from e-commerce and social media algorithms to ambitious government initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and urban planning. For any learner of Chinese interested in technology, business, or contemporary Chinese society, mastering “大数据” is essential as it represents a core pillar of the country's economic and political strategy.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dà shù jù
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: Advanced (HSK 5+ level vocabulary)
• Concise Definition: Big Data; the technological concept of extremely large and complex data sets that are analyzed to reveal patterns, trends, and associations.
• In a Nutshell: “大数据” is a literal, straightforward translation of the English term “Big Data.” It's not a classical Chinese concept but a modern, globally understood term. In China, however, it carries immense weight. It's used to describe the technological force driving the country's tech giants (like Alibaba and Tencent) and is a cornerstone of national policy for everything from economic development to social governance.

• 大 (dà): Meaning “big,” “large,” or “great.” It's one of the simplest and most common characters in Chinese.
• 数 (shù): Meaning “number,” “figure,” or “to count.” When combined with 据, it forms the basis of “data.”
• 据 (jù): Meaning “evidence,” “basis,” or “according to.”
• The characters 数据 (shùjù) combine to mean “data” (literally “numerical evidence”). Adding the character 大 (dà) at the beginning simply modifies “data” to become “Big Data.” The logic is direct and transparent.

While “Big Data” is a global term, its application and perception in China have unique cultural and political dimensions. In the West, discussions around Big Data often center on corporate use, privacy rights, and ethical debates over data collection. In China, 大数据 (dà shù jù) is frequently framed as a tool for national progress, collective good, and social harmony. It is a key component of the “China Dream” (中国梦), symbolizing a path to a more efficient, secure, and modern nation. A key difference lies in the role of the state. In China, there's a much closer collaboration between the government and tech companies in harnessing 大数据. This has led to nationwide projects that are unparalleled in scale, such as:

• Smart Cities (智慧城市): Using data to manage traffic, public services, and emergency responses.
• Social Credit System (社会信用体系): A controversial system that uses data to assign citizens and businesses a “trustworthiness” score.
• Public Security: Widespread use of facial recognition and data analysis for surveillance and crime prevention.

This contrasts with the Western model, where government use of data is often more fragmented and subject to stricter legal challenges regarding individual privacy. In China, the value of collective security and social stability is often prioritized, making large-scale data collection more accepted in public discourse, though private conversations about privacy concerns are becoming more common.

大数据 is a high-frequency term in news, business, and even casual conversations about technology.

• In Business and Tech: It's used constantly in discussions about marketing strategy, product development, AI, and finance. A company might say, “我们利用大数据来了解客户需求” (We use big data to understand customer needs).
• In Government and Media: News reports and government documents are filled with references to the “big data industry” (大数据产业) and national “big data strategies” (大数据战略).
• In Daily Life: People might casually remark on how their shopping or video apps “know” what they like, attributing it to 大数据. For example, “这个APP的推荐太准了，都是大数据在算” (This app's recommendations are so accurate, it's all calculated by big data).

The connotation is generally neutral to positive, associated with modernity, efficiency, and progress. Negative connotations related to surveillance or loss of privacy are present but are discussed less openly in public forums than in the West.

• Example 1:
  • 我们的成功归功于对大数据的深入分析。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de chénggōng guīgōng yú duì dà shù jù de shēnrù fēnxī.
  • English: Our success is attributed to the in-depth analysis of big data.
  • Analysis: A common sentence in a business or tech context, highlighting the role of data analysis in achieving goals. “归功于” (guīgōng yú) means “to be attributed to.”
• Example 2:
  • 政府正在建立一个全国性的大数据中心。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ zhèngzài jiànlì yīgè quánguó xìng de dà shù jù zhōngxīn.
  • English: The government is establishing a national big data center.
  • Analysis: This sentence reflects the state-led nature of many big data initiatives in China.
• Example 3:
  • 大数据技术让个性化推荐成为可能。
  • Pinyin: Dà shù jù jìshù ràng gèxìnghuà tuījiàn chéngwéi kěnéng.
  • English: Big data technology makes personalized recommendations possible.
  • Analysis: This explains the practical effect of big data that average people experience daily on apps like Taobao or Douyin (TikTok).
• Example 4:
  • 学习大数据专业是现在的一个热门选择。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxí dà shù jù zhuānyè shì xiànzài de yīgè rèmén xuǎnzé.
  • English: Studying big data as a major is a popular choice right now.
  • Analysis: This shows the term's relevance in the field of education and career planning in China.
• Example 5:
  • 有人担心大数据会侵犯个人隐私。
  • Pinyin: Yǒurén dānxīn dà shù jù huì qīnfàn gèrén yǐnsī.
  • English: Some people worry that big data will violate personal privacy.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows the critical perspective on the topic. “侵犯” (qīnfàn) is a strong word for “to violate” or “to infringe upon.”
• Example 6:
  • 通过分析大数据，我们可以预测未来的市场趋势。
  • Pinyin: Tōngguò fēnxī dà shù jù, wǒmen kěyǐ yùcè wèilái de shìchǎng qūshì.
  • English: By analyzing big data, we can predict future market trends.
  • Analysis: A classic use case for big data in the business world. “预测” (yùcè) means “to predict.”
• Example 7:
  • 智慧城市的核心就是大数据和物联网。
  • Pinyin: Zhìhuì chéngshì de héxīn jiùshì dà shù jù hé wù lián wǎng.
  • English: The core of a smart city is big data and the Internet of Things.
  • Analysis: This connects “大数据” to another key tech concept, showing how they are intertwined.
• Example 8:
  • 这家公司在大数据领域处于领先地位。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī zài dà shù jù lǐngyù chǔyú lǐngxiān dìwèi.
  • English: This company holds a leading position in the big data field.
  • Analysis: “领域” (lǐngyù) means “field” or “domain,” and “处于领先地位” (chǔyú lǐngxiān dìwèi) is a formal way to say “is in a leading position.”
• Example 9:
  • 我感觉我的手机在监听我，它推荐的东西都和我说过的话有关，这就是大数据的力量吧。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ gǎnjué wǒ de shǒujī zài jiāntīng wǒ, tā tuījiàn de dōngxi dōu hé wǒ shuōguò de huà yǒuguān, zhè jiùshì dà shù jù de lìliàng ba.
  • English: I feel like my phone is listening to me; the things it recommends are all related to what I've said. This must be the power of big data.
  • Analysis: A very colloquial example reflecting a common sentiment among ordinary people about the “magic” and slightly unnerving accuracy of algorithms.
• Example 10:
  • 没有大数据的支持，人工智能就无法发展。
  • Pinyin: Méiyǒu dà shù jù de zhīchí, réngōng zhìnéng jiù wúfǎ fāzhǎn.
  • English: Without the support of big data, artificial intelligence cannot develop.
  • Analysis: This sentence clearly states the fundamental relationship between big data (the fuel) and AI (the engine).

• Don't confuse it with regular “data”: A common mistake for learners is to use 大数据 (dà shù jù) when they just mean 数据 (shùjù). If you're talking about the sales figures in a single Excel spreadsheet, that is 数据. If you're talking about analyzing millions of customer transactions from across the country to find patterns, that is 大数据.
  • Incorrect: 我把这个月的销售大数据发给你。(Wǒ bǎ zhège yuè de xiāoshòu dà shù jù fā gěi nǐ.) - “I'll send you this month's sales big data.” (Sounds strange if it's just a simple report).
  • Correct: 我把这个月的销售数据发给你。(Wǒ bǎ zhège yuè de xiāoshòu shùjù fā gěi nǐ.) - “I'll send you this month's sales data.”
• Understand the cultural weight: For an English speaker, “Big Data” is a technical or business term. In China, it's also a political and social one. Using the term correctly means understanding its connection to national strategy and the prevailing narrative of technological advancement. It's not just a buzzword; it's a statement of national priority.

• 数据 (shùjù) - The base word, meaning “data.” 大数据 is a specific type of 数据.
• 人工智能 (réngōng zhìnéng) - Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI models are “trained” on 大数据.
• 云计算 (yún jìsuàn) - Cloud Computing. The essential infrastructure for storing and processing 大数据.
• 物联网 (wù lián wǎng) - The Internet of Things (IoT). A primary source of the constant stream of data that forms 大数据.
• 算法 (suànfǎ) - Algorithm. The set of rules or calculations used to analyze 大数据 and produce results (like recommendations or predictions).
• 数据分析 (shùjù fēnxī) - Data Analysis. The process of examining 大数据 to find insights.
• 社会信用体系 (shèhuì xìnyòng tǐxì) - Social Credit System. One of the most prominent and controversial applications of 大数据 in China.
• 隐私 (yǐnsī) - Privacy. A key social and ethical concern related to the collection and use of 大数据.
• 人脸识别 (rénliǎn shíbié) - Facial Recognition. A technology powered by AI and 大数据, widely used in China for security and convenience.