When combined, 雄伟 (xióngwěi) literally means “powerful-great” or “heroic-mighty.” This fusion creates a vivid image of not just size, but of powerful, awe-inspiring grandeur.
The concept of 雄伟 (xióngwěi) is deeply tied to China's geography and history. China is a land of vast, dramatic landscapes like the Himalayas, the Yellow Mountains (黄山), and the Yangtze River (长江). It is also home to some of humanity's most ambitious and large-scale architectural feats, such as the Great Wall (长城), the Forbidden City (故宫), and the Three Gorges Dam (三峡大坝). The term 雄伟 is frequently used to express a sense of national pride and historical weight associated with these landmarks. It captures the spirit of human ambition and the power of nature that has shaped Chinese civilization for millennia. A Westerner might use “majestic” or “grand” to describe a scene like the Grand Canyon or a large cathedral. While similar, 雄伟 often carries a stronger feeling of power and imposing scale. “Grand” can sometimes describe a fancy, ornate ballroom, but 雄伟 would be inappropriate in that context. 雄伟 is reserved for things that impress you with their sheer size, strength, and presence, evoking a feeling of respect and awe. It's the difference between a “grand” plan and a “majestic” mountain range—雄伟 captures the latter perfectly.
雄伟 (xióngwěi) is a fairly formal and literary adjective. It is primarily used in the following contexts:
Its connotation is almost always positive, expressing admiration and awe. You would not use it in casual, everyday conversation to describe something like a nice house or a big car; it's reserved for things that are truly impressive on a massive scale.