Spoken Description

Aprende la diferencia entre Grande y Gran en español: reglas, ejemplos y uso correcto para describir tamaño y magnitud, con consejos prácticos, útiles de pronunciación y estilo.

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Learn the difference between Grande and Gran in Spanish: rules, examples, and correct usage to describe size and magnitude, with practical tips, pronunciation guides, and style.

Spanish distinguishes gran and grande by position and meaning, so choosing one or the other changes whether you praise someone or simply note size. This short guide shows when to use gran (figurative "great") versus grande (literal "big") with clear examples.

Gran

Use gran before a singular noun to mean "great," "important," or "remarkable" rather than literally large; it emphasizes quality or status. Gran shortens grande and always precedes the noun to signal figurative value.

Usa gran antes de un sustantivo singular para significar "genial", "importante" o "destacado", en lugar de referirse literalmente a algo grande; enfatiza la calidad o el estatus. Gran es una forma abreviada de grande y siempre precede al sustantivo para señalar un valor figurado.

Es unapersona que siempre ayuda a los demás. (great)

She is a great person who always helps others.

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Grande

Use grande after the noun to describe physical size or literal largeness; it can appear with singular or plural nouns and retains its concrete meaning. Placing grande after the noun keeps the focus on measurable dimension rather than praise.

Usa grande después del sustantivo para describir el tamaño físico o la literalidad del tamaño; puede aparecer con sustantivos singulares o plurales y mantiene su significado concreto. Colocar grande después del sustantivo mantiene el enfoque en la dimensión medible en lugar del elogio.

La sala esy tiene ventanas altas. (big)

The hall is big and has tall windows.

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Examples

Summary

Remember: use gran before singular nouns for figurative "great" and grande after the noun for literal "big"; switching them changes meaning and nuance. Practice substituting each in short sentences to feel the difference between praise and size.

Spanish distinguishes gran and grande by position and meaning, so choosing one or the other changes whether you praise someone or simply note size. This short guide shows when to use gran (figurative "great") versus grande (literal "big") with clear examples.

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