lớn
[ləːn˧˦]
The Vietnamese word for "large" is lớn.
lớn is used to describe things of greater size or magnitude. It can refer to physical dimensions, such as a large body of land or to abstract concepts, such as a large amount of something or great importance. For example, you might use it to describe an achievement as being lớn lao (great/immense).
Meaning: of greater size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While both lớn and to mean "big" or "large", they are used in different contexts. lớn is more frequently used for abstract concepts, such as "large amounts" or "large scale", whereas to is more common when discussing physical dimensions.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the comparative "larger", add the word hơn after lớn to get lớn hơn. You can also create the phrase lớn quá to mean "very large" by adding quá after lớn.
Did you know?
- Vietnamese uses lớn to describe the scale of a voice. A 'loud' voice is described as nói lớn, which literally translates to 'speaking large'.
- In Vietnamese, lớn is not just an adjective for size but is also a verb meaning 'to grow up'.
- In Vietnamese, the word lớn can function as a noun meaning 'the eldest'. For example, anh lớn refers to the eldest brother in a family hierarchy.
Examples in context
- Nước Mỹ rất rộng lớn.America is very large.This sentence shows how to use lớn to describe the size of a country.Tatoeba #8839868 by dotheduyet1999, translation #67543 by CK
- Voi có tai lớn và vòi dài.Elephants have large ears and long nose.This sentence uses lớn to describe the size of an animal's ears.Tatoeba #11344735 by chaule3, translation #11344734 by chaule3
- Chúng tôi nhập khẩu một lượng lớn thực phẩm.We import a large quantity of food.This sentence demonstrates using lớn to describe a large quantity of food.Tatoeba #13841743 by leucammieuvu, translation #249050 by CK
- bức tranh lớn hơn cái gươngThe painting is larger than the mirror
- số lượng người đến có vẻ rất lớnThe number of people coming seems very large
- Cái túi này to bự thật!This bag is really huge!
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing coffee orders at a cafe.
- TuấnChi ơi, bạn muốn uống cỡ nào?Chi, what size do you want to drink?
- ChiCho mình một cốc lớn nhé.Give me one large cup, please.
- TuấnVậy mình lấy cho bạn một cốc lớn.Then I will get a large cup for you.
- ChiCảm ơn Tuấn nhé.Thanks, Tuan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry lớn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
