groot
/ɣroːt/
The Dutch word for big is groot.
groot is used to describe something of a great physical size. It is also the standard way to express that someone or something is great in terms of importance or status. However, do not use groot to mean excellent. For that sense of greatness, use geweldig.
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While groot refers to physical size and status, it is distinct from the word used to express being excellent.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word changes depending on its position in a sentence. If you use the word before a masculine or feminine noun that has a definite article like 'de', it often takes the inflected form grote.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɣroːt/
Did you know?
- A grootouders is a grandparent, literally translating to a 'big parent'.
- In the Netherlands, the phrase groot doen means to 'act big' or behave in a pretentious and arrogant manner.
- While groot means 'big', the Dutch use the word groot when asking a child's age, asking if they are al groot (already big) to see if they are grown up.
Examples in context
- Dit is te groot.This is too big.This sentence shows how to use groot to say something is too big.Tatoeba #775290 by martinod, translation #55535 by CK
- Het is te groot.It's too big.This sentence demonstrates the use of groot to say it is too big.Tatoeba #1072408 by martinod, translation #435409 by CK
- De zon is groot.The sun is big.This sentence illustrates using groot to describe the sun as big.Tatoeba #6128836 by Mandalay, translation #1120802 by cntrational
- De olifant is groot en sterk.The elephant is big and strong.
- Deze gebeurtenis heeft grote gevolgen.This event has big consequences.
- Wat een reusachtige taart!What a gigantic cake!
- 198 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Noah and Sophie are looking at a new apartment.
- NoahIs deze woonkamer groot?Is this living room big?
- SophieJa, hij is erg groot.Yes, it is very big.
- NoahDat ziet er goed uit.That looks good.
- SophieIk vind het ook een grote ruimte.I also think it is a large space.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big” translations and entries groot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
