大局

dàjú

noun HSK 7 #10,319

Meanings

1 the overall situation; the big picture
2 general state of affairs

Characters

situation; game; bureau

Literally 'the big situation' — the overall picture as opposed to small details.

Examples

我们要从大局出发。

Wǒmen yào cóng dàjú chūfā.

We need to look at the big picture.

不要因小失大，要顾全大局。

Bú yào yīn xiǎo shī dà, yào gùquán dàjú.

Don't lose the big for the small — keep the overall situation in mind.

Tips

usage

大局观 (dàjúguān, 'big-picture thinking') is highly valued in Chinese work culture and politics. 顾全大局 (gùquán dàjú, 'to take the overall situation into account') is a frequently used phrase urging people to put collective interests above personal ones.

Stroke Order

大 dà

局 jú