Grand vs Gros
French distinguishes grand and gros by whether you mean physical size, importance, or thickness, and by nuance of praise versus bluntness. This short guide shows when to use each adjective with clear examples.
Grand
Use grand to describe someone or something that is large in height, length, or figurative importance. It often carries a more neutral or even positive nuance, and can apply to status, age, or rank.
Examples
Gros
Use gros to describe thickness, bulk, or substantial size, often in width or volume. It can have a more concrete or sometimes blunt sense, and is commonly used for things like a thick book, a large animal, or fatness.
Examples
| French Example | English Translation |
|---|---|
| đ LâĂ©lĂ©phant est gros et lourd. | The elephant is big and heavy. |
| đ° Jâai mangĂ© un gros morceau de gĂąteau. | I ate a large piece of cake. |
| đłïž Le bateau est gros et stable sur lâeau. | The boat is big and stable on the water. |
| 𧞠Lâours en peluche est gros et tout doux. | The teddy bear is big and very soft. |
| đ§ïž Il y a une grosse pluie ce soir. | There is heavy rain tonight. |
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Expressions
French has set expressions that use grand or gros, so choosing the adjective the wrong way can sound odd. Learn a few key phrases to feel the difference between praise, physical size, and weight.
Expressions with Grand
Expressions with Gros
Summary
In short, choose grand for height, length, rank, or importance, and gros for thickness, bulk, or volume. Pay attention to set expressions and the tone you want, whether neutral, laudatory, or blunt.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025