Definition
大道理 literally means 'big principle' and refers to abstract, high-sounding principles or truths. In daily use it often carries a negative tone, describing moralizing or preachy talk that sounds nice but is too general or unrealistic — someone who '讲大道理' is giving a lecture full of empty platitudes. It can also be used neutrally for important guiding principles.
noun
general principlegreat truth
n.
(noun, often derogatory) high-sounding but impractical moralizingempty preaching
Examples
- 大道理。Zhèxiē dà quèshí néng zhǐdǎo wǒmen zuòchū zhèngquè de juécè.These great principles can indeed guide us to make correct decisions.
- 大道理，。Bié gēn wǒ jiǎng nàxiē dà, wǒ zhǐ xiǎng zhīdào jùtǐ zěnme bàn.Don't give me all that moralizing talk; I just want to know what to do specifically.
- 大道理，。Tā zhǐ huì shuō dà, méiyǒu shíjì xíngdòng.He only talks big principles but takes no real action.
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