大规模
dà guī mó · HSK 4
large scale
📏 大 = big + 规模 = scale/scope; literally 'big scale'
规 means rule/compass (the measuring tool), 模 means model/pattern. Together 规模 = scale or scope. Prefix 大 (big) gives 'large-scale'. Common in news: 大规模生产 = mass production.
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.