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grande — meaning in English: big

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grande
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neutral very common
Usage
Native Spanish speakers often use 'grande' in everyday conversations to describe objects, people, or concepts that are large or significant. For example, you might hear it when discussing the size of a house, saying, 'Mi casa es grande,' or expressing admiration for someone's achievements, such as, 'Tienes un corazón grande.'
Synonyms & nuances
'Grande' is often compared with 'enorme' and 'gigante,' which also mean big. However, 'enorme' implies something excessively large, while 'gigante' suggests a size that is almost mythical. You would choose 'grande' for general descriptions or when you want to convey a sense of admiration without exaggeration.
Culture
'Grande' comes from the Latin word 'grandis,' which also means big or great. In Spanish-speaking cultures, size is often associated with significance; thus, describing something as 'grande' can imply not just physical size but also emotional or social importance, such as when referring to a 'gran corazón' (big heart) in terms of kindness.
FAQ
Q.What does grande mean in English?
'Grande' translates to 'big' or 'large' in English. It's a versatile word that can describe both physical size and abstract concepts like importance or significance.
Q.Can I use grande for people?
Yes, you can use 'grande' to describe people, both in terms of physical size or as a compliment to their character. For example, saying 'Eres una persona grande' means 'You are a great person.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes with grande?
'Grande' is an adjective that can change based on gender and number; it becomes 'grande' for singular and 'grandes' for plural, regardless of gender. A common mistake is using it as 'grand' for small, which is incorrect.
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