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How to Say "grand" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gran

/grahn//ɡɾan/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'gran' before a singular noun when referring to something magnificent, important, or on a large scale, often conveying an abstract quality.
A tiny person stands at the edge of a vast, impressive canyon, emphasizing the concept of 'great' or 'grand'.

Examples

Es una gran oportunidad.

It's a great opportunity.

Es una gran idea.

It's a great idea.

Mi abuelo fue un gran hombre.

My grandfather was a great man.

Tuvimos una gran fiesta anoche.

We had a great party last night.

Always Before a Noun

'Gran' is the short version of 'grande' and it always goes before the thing it describes. For example, 'un gran libro' (a great book).

For Singular Nouns Only

You only use 'gran' with a single person or thing. For plural things, you use 'grandes', like 'grandes libros' (great books).

Same for Masculine and Feminine

'Gran' doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. You say 'un gran hombre' (a great man) and 'una gran mujer' (a great woman).

Using 'Gran' After a Noun

Mistake: “un hombre gran”

Correction: Say 'un gran hombre' or 'un hombre grande'. 'Gran' must come first.

Using 'Gran' for Plurals

Mistake: “dos gran problemas”

Correction: For more than one thing, use 'grandes'. Say 'dos grandes problemas'.

grande

/GRAHN-deh//ˈɡɾande/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'grande' after a noun to describe its physical size or to emphasize its impressive or magnificent nature, especially when referring to a person's stature or achievements.
A majestic, highly detailed golden crown resting on a tall red velvet pedestal under a bright spotlight, symbolizing greatness and importance.

Examples

Miguel Ángel fue un artista grande.

Michelangelo was a great artist.

Gaudí fue un gran arquitecto.

Gaudí was a great architect.

Fue una gran sorpresa para todos.

It was a great surprise for everyone.

Tenemos grandes planes para el futuro.

We have big/great plans for the future.

The 'gran' Transformation

When you put 'grande' before a singular thing (masculine or feminine), it shortens to 'gran' and its meaning changes from 'big' to 'great'. For example, 'un gran día' (a great day).

'Big Man' vs. 'Great Man'

Mistake: “Él es un hombre grande.”

Correction: This means 'He is a large/big man' (physically). To say 'He is a great man,' you must say 'Es un gran hombre.' Placement is everything here!

Gran vs. Grande Placement

The most common mistake is using 'gran' after the noun or 'grande' before it. Remember, 'gran' almost always comes *before* a singular noun (e.g., 'un gran día'), while 'grande' typically comes *after* (e.g., 'un día grande'), though 'grande' can sometimes precede a singular noun when it means 'great' in a more abstract sense.

Related Translations

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