大型
dàxíng · HSK 4
large-size (machines/factories/etc.)
🏭 大型 = big (大) + type/model (型) → large-scale
大 means big or large; 型 means type, model, or mold. Together 大型 literally reads as big-type, used for large-scale machines, factories, equipment, and projects.
大 — pictograph of a person with arms outstretched
大 is a pictograph showing a person standing with arms and legs spread wide. The outstretched arms suggest 'big' or 'great', extending from the literal image of a large stance to abstract meanings like important or grand. It is one of the oldest characters, found on oracle bones.
型 — earth 土 + 刑 (xíng, phonetic)
型 is a semantic-phonetic compound. The 土 (earth) component points to its original meaning: a clay or earthen mold used for casting. The right side 刑 supplies the sound. From 'casting mold' it broadened to mean 'model, type, pattern' in modern usage.