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"Big" is an adjective which is often translated as "grande", and "great" is an adjective which is often translated as "estupendo". Learn more about the difference between "big" and "great" below.
big(
bihg
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (large)
2. (meaningful)
a. grande
He made a series of big mistakes that resulted in the destruction of the forest.Cometió una serie de grandes errores que resultaron en la destrucción del bosque.
b. gran
The fact that she hasn't kept her word presents us with a big problem.El hecho de que no ha honrado su palabra nos presenta con un gran problema.
c. grave
There was a big accident on the highway this morning.Hubo un grave accidente en la carretera esta mañana.
3. (important)
a. gran
We have visitors from a big European company who will be touring our factory today.Tenemos visitantes de una gran empresa europea que recorrerán nuestra fábrica hoy.
b. importante
Our biggest client is the publishing company.Nuestro cliente más importante es la editorial.
d. grande
He got the chance to play in the big leagues for the first time when he was 19.Tuvo la oportunidad de jugar en las grandes ligas por primera vez cuando tenÃa 19 años.
4. (in age)
5. (generous)
a. generoso
It was very big of her to pay for a vacation for all her brothers and sisters.Fue muy generoso de su parte pagarles unas vacaciones a todos sus hermanos.
6. (stingy)
7. (colloquial) (as intensifier)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Don't be such a big idiot!¡Pero no puedes ser semejante pedazo de idiota!
Your brother is just a big bully!¡Qué tan bravucón es tu hermano!
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. a lo grande
In order to achieve great results, you need to think big.Para generar grandes resultados, debes pensar a lo grande.
9. (boastfully)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
He always acts big in front of people, but then he's a poor bastard when he's at home.Siempre se da importancia frente a la gente, pero después en su casa es un pobre tipo.
Ricardo gets on my nerves. He talks big, but never gets anything done.Ricardo me crispa. Fanfarronea, pero nunca logra nada.
great(
greyt
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (fantastic)
a. estupendo
Christine has a great job. It's interesting and well-paid.Christine tiene un trabajo estupendo. Es interesante y está bien pagado.
b. excelente
The wine was great and the food was delicious.El vino era excelente y la comida estaba riquÃsima.
c. genial
The concert was great. You should have come along.El concierto estuvo genial. DeberÃas haber venido con nosotros.
d. fenomenal
We had a great time at the party. We didn't stop dancing all night.Lo pasamos fenomenal en la fiesta. No paramos de bailar en toda la noche.
e. fabuloso
They have a great house, with wonderful views.Tienen una casa fabulosa, con unas vistas increÃbles.
f. sensacional
It's a great movie, as is the novel it's based on.Es una pelÃcula sensacional, como lo es la novela en la que está basada.
3. (important)
4. (very large)
a. gran (before nouns)
It was a great and spooky house that stood on the hill.Fue una gran casa espeluznante que estaba en la colina.
b. grande (after nouns)
The giant had great feet that crushed many houses.El gigante tenÃa pies grandes que aplastaban muchas casas.
a. gran (before nouns)
If this ceasefire holds, it would be a great relief for us all.Si el alto el fuego continúa, será un gran alivio para todos nosotros.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
8. (colloquial) (used to express approval)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. estupendo
Dad, I finished my homework. - Great! You can go play with your friends if you like.Papá, terminé la tarea. - ¡Estupendo! Puedes ir a jugar con tus amigos si quieres.
b. genial (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
I brought this bottle of white wine. - Great. We're having fish.Traje esta botella de vino blanco. - Genial. Vamos a comer pescado.
c. fenomenal (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
If you want to go out this evening, I can look after your kids. - Great! Thank you very much!Si quieres salir esta tarde, yo puedo quedarme con tus niños. - ¡Fenomenal ¡Muchas gracias!
