larga
/LAR-gah/
long
Larga describes something with a great physical dimension, like a long ribbon.
larga(Adjective)
long
?physical dimension
,tall
?used for a tall woman or garment
lengthy
?when describing a list or document
📝 In Action
Necesito una cuerda más larga para alcanzar el techo.
A1I need a longer rope to reach the ceiling.
Ella tiene una cabellera muy larga y brillante.
A2She has very long and shiny hair.
La mesa de la sala es demasiado larga para el espacio.
A1The living room table is too long for the space.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Remember that 'larga' is the feminine form. You must use it when describing feminine nouns (e.g., 'mesa,' 'playa,' 'vida'). For masculine nouns, use 'largo'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Genders
Mistake: "La falda es largo."
Correction: La falda es larga. The adjective must end in 'a' to match the feminine noun 'falda'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Comparative Forms
To say 'longer,' use 'más larga.' (e.g., 'una calle más larga').
When referring to time, larga means of great duration, suggesting a long period of time passing.
larga(Adjective)
long
?duration of time
,lengthy
?a period that feels extended
slow
?referring to a process or event
📝 In Action
La espera en el aeropuerto se hizo muy larga.
A2The wait at the airport became very long.
Hemos tenido una semana laboral larga.
A2We have had a long work week.
Fue una discusión larga y complicada.
B1It was a long and complicated discussion.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Placement
Like most descriptive adjectives, 'larga' usually goes after the noun (e.g., 'una tarde larga').
⭐ Usage Tips
Emotional Weight
When used with time (e.g., 'noche larga'), 'larga' can often imply that the time felt tedious or difficult, not just that it had many hours.
In the phrase 'a la larga,' larga refers to the outcome that occurs after a significant amount of time has passed, or 'in the long run.'
📝 In Action
A la larga, esta inversión dará buenos frutos.
B1In the long run, this investment will bear good fruit.
No pienses solo en el corto plazo, mira a la larga.
B2Don't just think short-term, look to the long term.
💡 Grammar Points
Fixed Phrase Usage
When used as a noun, 'larga' almost always appears as part of the fixed prepositional phrase 'a la larga,' meaning 'in the long term' or 'eventually'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: larga
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'larga'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'larga' and 'largo'?
'Larga' is simply the feminine form of the adjective 'largo.' You use 'larga' when the noun you are describing is feminine (like 'casa' or 'calle') and 'largo' when the noun is masculine (like 'día' or 'perro').
Can I use 'larga' to describe a tall person?
Yes, but you must be talking about a woman, since 'larga' is feminine. You can say 'Ella es una mujer larga,' but it's often more common to use 'alta' (tall) for people's height. 'Larga' is usually reserved for things like dresses, hair, or legs.