How to Say "Big" in Hebrew - How To Say Guide

גדול

gadól/ɡaˈdol/

The Hebrew word for big is גדול (gadól).

The word is used to describe something of a great size. Depending on the context, it can also mean great or old.

Meaning: of a great size (adj)

Which one should you use?

While גדול is the default form, it can be used to express both physical size and age. In many contexts, it can also mean 'great'.

The form of the word changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes.

gadól

The word גדול shares an ancient root with the Arabic word for 'hard' or 'firm', suggesting that 'greatness' was originally tied to strength and solidity.
In traditional Jewish contexts, a גדול (pronounced 'gadol') can refer to a 'Great One', a title for a highly esteemed Torah scholar or spiritual leader.
In Hebrew, גדול is the standard way to say a child is 'older' than another child, rather than using a word for 'old' like זקן, which is reserved for the elderly.

יש לך פה גדול.
You've got a big mouth.
This sentence shows how to use גדול to describe a mouth.
Tatoeba #4670778 by fekundulo, translation #3315074 by CK
יש לה אף גדול?
Does she have a big nose?
This sentence uses גדול in a question about a nose.
Tatoeba #5900973 by fekundulo, translation #3375220 by CM
גם זה גדול מדי.
This is too big.
This sentence uses גדול to express that something is too large.
Tatoeba #1399393 by MrShoval, translation #55535 by CK
352 more sentences on Tatoeba

Iti and Maya are looking at a new house.

איתי Itay

הבית הזה מאוד גדול.
Ha'bayit haze me'od gadol.
This house is very big.
מאיה Maya

כן, הוא גם יפה.
Ken, hu gam yafe.
Yes, it is also beautiful.
איתי Itay

יש שם חדר גדול.
Yesh sham chadar gadol.
There is a big room there.
מאיה Maya

זה מצוין עבורנו.
Ze mtzuyan avorenu.
That is excellent for us.

Sources

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