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How to Say "gigantic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gigantes

hee-GAHN-tehsxiˈɣantes

adjectiveA2
Use this word when describing something as extremely large, often emphasizing its impressive or overwhelming size, similar to 'giant' in English.
A single, massive strawberry that looks gigantic compared to a small fence post nearby.

Examples

Las olas eran gigantes y el surfista no pudo controlarlas.

The waves were gigantic and the surfer couldn't control them.

Necesitamos comprar unos platos gigantes para servir el pavo.

We need to buy some enormous plates to serve the turkey.

Ellos tienen unos perros gigantes que asustan a los vecinos.

They have some huge dogs that scare the neighbors.

Position of the Adjective

'Gigantes' usually goes after the thing it describes: 'edificios gigantes' (gigantic buildings). Placing it before the noun ('gigantes edificios') makes the description sound more poetic or emphasizes the quality.

Agreement with Feminine Nouns

Mistake: “Using 'gigantas' when describing feminine nouns (e.g., 'casas gigantas').”

Correction: The adjective form is always 'gigantes' regardless of the gender of the noun it describes: 'casas gigantes' (huge houses). 'Gigantas' is only used as a noun meaning female giants.

gigantesco

hee-gahn-tess-kohxi.ɣan.ˈtes.ko

adjectiveA2
This is the most direct translation for 'gigantic' when referring to the physical size or scale of an object or structure.
A tiny mouse standing next to a massive, colorful beach ball that towers over it like a hill.

Examples

El barco es gigantesco.

The boat is gigantic.

Vimos una montaña gigantesca durante el viaje.

We saw a gigantic mountain during the trip.

Completar este trabajo requiere un esfuerzo gigantesco.

Completing this work requires a massive effort.

Matching the Ending

This word changes its ending based on what you are describing. Use 'gigantesco' for masculine words (like 'el perro') and 'gigantesca' for feminine words (like 'la casa').

Placement for Emphasis

Usually, you put this word after the person or thing you are describing to focus on how big it is. For example: 'un edificio gigantesco'.

Don't use 'muy'

Mistake: “muy gigantesco”

Correction: just say 'gigantesco'

monstruoso

mons-troo-OH-somonsˈtɾwoso

adjectiveB2
Use this word when something is extremely large to the point of being overwhelming, imposing, or even slightly negative, suggesting a 'monstrous' size.
A tiny mouse looking up at a giant, towering red apple that is ten times its size.

Examples

Construyeron un edificio monstruoso que tapa toda la vista.

They built an enormous building that blocks the whole view.

El tráfico hoy era algo monstruoso.

The traffic today was something humongous.

Tiene un apetito monstruoso después de correr.

He has a gigantic appetite after running.

Describing quantities

When used for size, it doesn't just mean 'big'; it implies something so large it's almost overwhelming.

Confusing with 'muy grande'

Mistake: “Es un perro monstruoso (when it's just a big golden retriever).”

Correction: Use 'monstruoso' only when the size is truly extraordinary or intimidating.

Gigantes vs. Gigantesco

Learners often confuse 'gigantes' and 'gigantesco' because both mean 'gigantic' or 'giant'. While 'gigantesco' is a more direct translation for physical size, 'gigantes' can also imply a more overwhelming or impressive scale, much like the English word 'giant' used as an adjective.

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