放大 fàngdà to enlarge
to enlarge; to magnify
How to remember 放大: 放 put + 大 big = to enlarge.
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How it is used
- To enlarge/magnify - 放大照片 (fàngdà zhàopiàn) enlarge a photo, 放大镜 (fàngdàjìng) magnifying glass.
- Both literal (size) and figurative (放大问题 blow a problem out of proportion, 放大情绪 amplify emotions).
- Contrast 扩大 (kuòdà, expand scope/scale); 放大 is about making an image/effect bigger or more prominent.