μεγάλος
megálos/meˈɣa.los/
The Greek word for "large" is μεγάλος (megálos).
μεγάλος is used to describe things of greater size, but it also denotes importance, seniority or greatness, such as describing a "great" person.
Meaning: of greater size (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use μεγάλη for feminine nouns, μεγάλο for neuter nouns, μεγάλοι for masculine plural nouns and μεγάλες for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the second of three syllables.
Did you know?
- The prefix 'mega-' used in English units of measurement, such as 'megabyte', comes directly from the ancient Greek form of μεγάλος.
- When referring to a 'big brother' in a familial sense, Greek speakers use μεγάλος to denote the older sibling rather than a physically large sibling.
- The word μεγάλος is inherited from the Proto-Indo-European root *méǵh₂s, which also evolved into the English word 'much'.
Examples in context
- Αναμένεται μεγάλος σεισμός στην Κωνσταντινούπολη.A large earthquake is expected in Istanbul.This sentence shows how to use μεγάλος to describe an earthquake.Tatoeba #9623417 by TurkishReform, translation #9700382 by Nylez
- Είναι ένας μεγάλος δακτύλιος από μαγνητική σπείρα.It's a large ring of magnetic coil.This sentence shows how to use μεγάλος to describe a ring.Tatoeba #9951895 by Nylez, translation #10046616 by Nylez
- Αυτή είναι μια μεγάλη πόλη.This is a large city.
- Άχ, τι μεγάλο σπίτι έχεις!Oh, what a large house you have!
Example conversation
George and Maria are looking at a suitcase in a store.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΑυτή η βαλίτσα είναι πολύ μεγάλος τύπος.Autí i valítsa eínai polý megálos týpos.This suitcase is a very large type.
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, Γιώργο, δεν χωράει στο αυτοκίνητο.Nai, Giórgo, den chorái sto aftokínito.Yes, George, it doesn't fit in the car.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘέλουμε κάτι πιο μικρό λοιπόν.Théloume káti pio mikró loipón.We want something smaller then.
- Μαρία MariaΣυμφωνώ, Μαρία θα βρει μια άλλη.Symfonó, María tha vreí mia álli.I agree, Maria will find another one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “large” 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.
