Inklingo

How to Say "greater" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mayor

/mah-YOR//maˈʝoɾ/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'mayor' when referring to something that is greater in importance, significance, or degree, often implying a superlative quality.
A massive, prominent statue placed in the center of a wide, open town square, illustrating the concept of main or biggest.

Examples

La contaminación es el mayor problema de la ciudad.

Pollution is the city's biggest problem.

La Plaza Mayor es muy bonita.

The main square is very beautiful.

Este proyecto requiere una inversión mayor.

This project requires a greater investment.

'Mayor' vs. 'Más Grande'

Use 'mayor' for abstract things like importance, difficulty, or concern. Use 'más grande' when you're talking about physical size. For example, 'un problema mayor' (a bigger problem) but 'una casa más grande' (a bigger house).

mayores

mah-YOH-rehs/maˈʝoɾes/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'mayores' when referring to something or someone that is greater in quantity, number, or age, often implying 'older' or 'more numerous'.
A tall adult with slightly graying hair smiling down warmly at a much shorter, younger child, illustrating the comparison of ages.

Examples

Mis hijos mayores ya están en la universidad.

My older children are already in university.

Necesitamos vehículos mayores para transportar todo el equipo.

We need bigger vehicles to transport all the equipment.

Los desafíos de este proyecto son mayores de lo que pensamos.

The challenges of this project are greater than we thought.

Always Plural

Since this word ends in '-es', it must always describe more than one person or thing. It is the plural form of the singular word 'mayor'.

The Irregular Comparison

'Mayores' already means 'bigger' or 'older,' so you don't need to add the word 'más' (more) before it. You would never say 'más mayores'.

Adding 'Más'

Mistake: “Estos coches son más mayores.”

Correction: Estos coches son mayores. ('Mayores' already means 'more big/old,' so 'más' is unnecessary.)

Confusing 'mayor' and 'mayores'

The most common mistake is using 'mayor' when you mean 'older' or 'more numerous'. Remember that 'mayores' is the plural form and specifically refers to quantity or age, while 'mayor' (singular) is usually about importance or degree.

Related Translations

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