大敌

大敵

dàdí

noun #31,800

Meanings

1 formidable enemy
2 powerful foe
3 archenemy

Characters

enemy; to oppose

Examples

贪污是国家的大敌。

Tānwū shì guójiā de dàdí.

Corruption is a great enemy of the nation.

面对大敌，他们毫不畏惧。

Miànduì dàdí, tāmen háobù wèijù.

Faced with a formidable enemy, they showed no fear.

懒惰是成功的大敌。

Lǎnduò shì chénggōng de dàdí.

Laziness is the great enemy of success.

Tips

usage

Frequently used metaphorically — anything posing a serious threat (corruption, laziness, disease, climate change) is a 大敌 of something. The set phrase 大敌当前 (dàdí dāngqián, 'a powerful enemy is at hand') marks a moment of crisis demanding unity.

Stroke Order

大 dà

敌 dí