Signification
Commenting on size.
Contexte culturel
Portion sizes in Greek tavernas are notoriously large. Saying 'Είναι πολύ μεγάλο' is often a compliment to the chef's generosity. Greeks take pride in 'megala' projects, from ancient temples to modern bridges like the Rio-Antirrio. The word 'megalo' carries a sense of national pride. The 'big' brother (ο μεγάλος αδερφός) or 'big' sister (η μεγάλη αδερφή) holds a position of authority and responsibility in Greek households. When receiving a gift, it is polite to comment on its size if it is large, as it implies the giver was very thoughtful and generous.
The Neuter Default
When you don't know the gender of an object, using the neuter 'μεγάλο' is your safest bet, as it's the default for 'it'.
Watch the 'G'
Don't pronounce the 'γ' in 'μεγάλο' like a hard English 'G' (as in 'goat'). It should be softer, more like a breathy sound.
Signification
Commenting on size.
The Neuter Default
When you don't know the gender of an object, using the neuter 'μεγάλο' is your safest bet, as it's the default for 'it'.
Watch the 'G'
Don't pronounce the 'γ' in 'μεγάλο' like a hard English 'G' (as in 'goat'). It should be softer, more like a breathy sound.
Emphasis
If you want to emphasize how big something is, stretch the 'ο' in 'πολύ': 'Είναι ποοοολύ μεγάλο!'
Age vs Size
Remember that 'μεγάλος' for a person almost always refers to their age (old) or status (great), not their physical size.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the adjective for 'το σπίτι' (the house).
Το σπίτι είναι πολύ _______.
Since 'σπίτι' is a neuter noun, the adjective must also be in the neuter form 'μεγάλο'.
Fill in the missing word to say 'It is very big'.
Είναι ____ μεγάλο.
'Πολύ' is the adverb used to modify adjectives to mean 'very'.
Match the response to the situation.
You are trying on a hat that covers your eyes. What do you say?
If the hat covers your eyes, it is too big for your head.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Σου αρέσει το δωμάτιο; B: Ναι, _________.
'Δωμάτιο' is neuter, so we use 'μεγάλο'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Gender Agreement
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΤο σπίτι είναι πολύ _______.
Since 'σπίτι' is a neuter noun, the adjective must also be in the neuter form 'μεγάλο'.
Είναι ____ μεγάλο.
'Πολύ' is the adverb used to modify adjectives to mean 'very'.
You are trying on a hat that covers your eyes. What do you say?
If the hat covers your eyes, it is too big for your head.
A: Σου αρέσει το δωμάτιο; B: Ναι, _________.
'Δωμάτιο' is neuter, so we use 'μεγάλο'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOnly if you mean they are 'great' or 'old'. For physical size (tall), use 'ψηλός'.
'Μεγάλο' means big, while 'τεράστιο' means huge or gigantic.
As an adverb meaning 'very', no. As an adjective meaning 'much/many', yes.
You can say 'πολύ μεγάλο' (which can mean 'very' or 'too' depending on context) or 'υπερβολικά μεγάλο' for 'excessively big'.
Yes, it is considered a compliment to the giver's generosity.
Yes, 'Η Αθήνα είναι πολύ μεγάλη' (Note: city is feminine). For a neuter noun like 'χωριό' (village), use 'μεγάλο'.
Use the plural: 'Είναι πολύ μεγάλα'.
It is neutral. It's appropriate for both a casual chat and a business report.
Because it is the neuter singular form, matching the implied subject 'it'.
No, the adverb 'πολύ' must come before the adjective.
Expressions liées
Είναι τεράστιο
synonymIt is huge
Είναι μικρό
contrastIt is small
Είναι αρκετά μεγάλο
builds onIt is big enough
Μεγάλο λάθος
specialized formBig mistake
