慷慨大方 (kāng kǎi dà fāng) — generous, open-handed

Definition

Idiom meaning 'generous and big-hearted' in giving, money, or spirit. Often used to praise character, not just wallet size.

idiom

generousopen-handed

慷慨大方。
Tā duì dài péng you fēi cháng kāng kǎi dà fāng.
He is very generous with his friends.
慷慨大方。
Zhè wèi fù wēng yǐ kāng kǎi dà fāng zhù chēng.
This wealthy man is known for his generosity.
慷慨大方。
kāng kǎi dà fāng De xíng wéi zǒng néng yíng dé zūn zhòng.
Generous behavior always earns respect.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

心心xīnheart

Sound part声符shēngfú

康

Same sound today

慷 pairs 心 (heart) with 康, which gives the sound.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

心心xīnheart

Sound part声符shēngfú

既

既jì慨kǎi

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The left side 心 is a heart, showing the character concerns feelings; the right side 既 is used for its sound.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The form 大 is a picture of a person standing and facing forward, not of someone stretching their arms.

No reliable origin is recorded for this character.

Appears in