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grandote

gran-DOH-teh/ɡɾanˈdote/

“grandote” means “really big” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

really big

Also: huge, massive
AdjectivemA2informal
Mexico
A tiny mouse looking up at a massive, oversized bright red apple that towers over it.

📝 In Action

Tengo un perro grandote en mi casa.

A1

I have a really big dog at my house.

Ese coche es muy grandote para esta calle estrecha.

A2

That car is way too big for this narrow street.

Me dio un abrazo grandote cuando me vio.

B1

He gave me a huge hug when he saw me.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un perro grandote – a big old dog
  • un susto grandote – a big scare

Idioms & Expressions

  • un niño grandote – an adult who acts like a child or is very playful

big guy

Also: giant
NounmB1informal
A very tall and broad friendly man wearing a green sweater standing next to a standard-sized garden fence.

📝 In Action

Ese grandote es el que juega al baloncesto.

A2

That big guy is the one who plays basketball.

No te asustes, es un grandote muy amable.

B1

Don't be scared, he's a very kind big guy.

Mira a ese grandote de allá; es el doble de alto que yo.

B2

Look at that big guy over there; he's twice as tall as me.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • un grandote bonachón – a friendly big giant

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "grandote" in Spanish:

big guy→giant→huge→massive→really big→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: grandote

Question 1 of 3

If you describe your new house as 'grandota', what are you implying?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
grande(big) — Adjective
agrandar(to enlarge) — Verb
grandeza(greatness) — Noun
grandemente(greatly) — Adverb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Formed by taking the Spanish word 'grande' (from Latin 'grandis') and adding the intensive suffix '-ote'. This suffix has been used since medieval times to make words sound bigger or more striking.

First recorded: 14th century (in similar suffix forms)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: grandonePortuguese: grandalhão

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'grande' and 'grandote'?

'Grande' is the standard word for 'big.' 'Grandote' is more informal and emphasizes that something is extra big or massive, often adding a touch of emotion or playfulness.

Does 'grandote' have a feminine form?

Yes! If you are describing something feminine (like a 'mesa' or 'casa'), you must use 'grandota'.

Is it mean to call someone a 'grandote'?

Not usually. It is more like saying 'big guy' or 'big fella.' It is often used for children who have grown a lot or for tall, friendly men.