malaki
/malaˈki/
The Tagalog word for big is malaki.
Malaki is used to describe things of a great size or large scale. This applies to physical size, but it can also be used for abstract concepts, such as a big amount or something of big importance.
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While malaki refers to being big or large, the term malawak is used specifically to emphasize vastness or spaciousness. If you want to express that something is exceptionally or extraordinarily big, you use the intensified form napakalaki.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective malaki is invariant, meaning it does not change based on gender or number. To express comparative or superlative forms, you can add prefixes: use mas malaki to say bigger and pinakamalaki to say biggest.
How do you pronounce it?
/malaˈki/
Did you know?
- A person might say laki sa hirap to describe someone who 'grew up in poverty', using laki to mean 'upbringing'.
- Historically, the word 'malaki' was used as a name for certain coins to distinguish them from the smaller 'cuarto' coins.
- While malaki means 'big', it is also the root for the word laki ng ulo, a common idiom meaning 'arrogant' or 'conceited'.
Examples in context
- Malaki ang aso mo.Your dog is very big.This sentence shows how to use malaki to describe the size of an animal.Tatoeba #1637192 by nonong, translation #64241 by CK
- Malaki ang titi ko!I've got a big cock!This sentence uses malaki in a vulgar anatomical context.Tatoeba #11861680 by qwertzu, translation #948104 by Pincenoire
- Malaki ang ari ni Tom.Tom has a big penis.This sentence uses malaki to describe a penis.Tatoeba #11482271 by qwertzu, translation #1398702 by Spamster
- Ang kalaban ko ay malakiMy opponent is big
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Angela and Jose are looking at a new house.
- AngelaMalaki ang bahay na ito.This house is big.
- JoseOo, malaki talaga.Yes, it really is big.
- AngelaGusto ko ang malaking garden.I like the big garden.
- JoseBagay sa iyo ang malaking bakuran.The big yard suits you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big” translations and entries malaki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malaki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
