Prefix used before nouns to express large scale, intensity, or importance. Often carries a colloquial or emphatic tone.
He is a great scholar.
I met a big shot today.
great; admirable; commendable · distinguished; high-ranking; eminent · awful; terrible; serious · tiring; tough; hard · very; extremely
big shots; higher-ups; VIPs
awfully; terribly; extremely
talented person; great person
immense; enormous; terrific; awesome
Standard kanji spelling for this prefix.
Alternate kanji form, less common.
Derived from the adjective 偉い (えらい, 'great'). The prefix form is used directly before nouns.