Meaning

Primary

An Epic

Alternatives

Masterpiece, Masterwork

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The big make! What is your big make? Bigger than anything else. It is your epic (as in an epic that you write). It's your masterpiece.

Reading

たいさく
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

Did you know that there's an epic about a tie sack (たいさく)? It's a masterpiece about a magic sack that produces tie after tie after tie. A bit like The Magic Porridge Pot, but with a sack and ties instead.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 大作を作る

    to create a masterpiece

    大作を見る

    to watch a great work, to see a masterpiece

    大作をかく

    to write a masterpiece, to draw a masterpiece

Context Sentences

「サイコ」はヒッチコックの大作だ。

"Psycho" is Hitchcock's magnum opus.

「スターウォーズ エピソードI」は1999年のアメリカ一の大作でした。

"Star Wars: Episode I" was the most epic American film of 1999.

もう自分では大作のアイディアは考えられない。

I can't come up with any ideas for a masterpiece anymore.

Kanji Composition