μεγάλος
megálos/meˈɣa.los/
The Greek word for big is μεγάλος (megálos).
μεγάλος is used to describe something of a great size. When describing a person's age or status, it can also mean 'old' or 'elder/senior' rather than just physical size.
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is μεγάλη. The neuter form of the adjective is μεγάλο. The masculine plural form of the adjective is μεγάλοι. The feminine plural form of the adjective is μεγάλες. The neuter plural form of the adjective is μεγάλα.
How do you pronounce it?
megálos. The stress is on the 2nd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The English prefix 'mega-' as in 'megaphone' or 'megabyte' is derived directly from the Ancient Greek word μέγας, the root of μεγάλος.
- In Greek, if you describe someone as having a μεγάλο στόμα (big mouth), it can mean they are a gossip or cannot keep a secret.
- Greek uses μεγάλος to express a 'big' heart, meaning a person is generous or kind, rather than referring to the organ's physical size.
Examples in context
- Ο κόσμος είναι μεγάλος.The world is big.This sentence uses μεγάλος to describe the world.Tatoeba #4703675 by pinkmpnster, translation #5435664 by Adelpa
- Ο Τομ είναι μεγάλος φαγάς.Tom is a big eater.This sentence uses μεγάλος to describe an eater.Tatoeba #5506879 by Zeus, translation #1025200 by CK
- Ο σκύλος σου είναι πολύ μεγάλος.Your dog is very big.This sentence uses μεγάλος to describe a dog.Tatoeba #1503747 by glavkos, translation #64241 by CK
- Ένα μεγάλο σπίτι.A big house.
- Ένα μεγαλύτερο σπίτι.A bigger house.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nikos and Eleni are looking at a house for sale.
- Νίκος NikosΔες αυτό το σπίτι, είναι πολύ μεγάλος κήπος!Des afto to spiti, einai poly megalos kipos!Look at this house, it is a very big garden!
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, αλλά το σαλόνι δεν είναι μεγάλος.Ne, alla to saloni den einai megalos.Yes, but the living room is not big.
- Νίκος NikosΘέλουμε έναν μεγάλος χώρο για τα παιδιά.Thelume enan megalos choro gia ta paidia.We want a big space for the children.
- Ελένη EleniΣυμφωνώ, Νίκο, χρειαζόμαστε κάτι μεγαλύτερο.Symfono, Niko, chreiazomaste kati megalytero.I agree, Nikos, we need something bigger.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big” translations and entries μεγάλος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries μεγάλος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
