大きさ 30 सेकंड में
- Ookisa is the noun for 'size,' derived from the adjective 'ookii' (big). It is used for physical objects and abstract concepts like volume.
- Grammatically, it functions as a noun, often following the pattern [Noun] + の + 大きさ. It is essential for comparing and measuring things.
- In daily life, it appears when shopping, discussing voice volume (koe no ookisa), or describing the scale of problems or events.
- Commonly confused with 'saizu' (clothing size) or 'kibo' (business scale), but 'ookisa' is the most general and versatile term for size.
The Japanese word 大きさ (ookisa) is a fundamental noun that translates to 'size,' 'dimension,' or 'magnitude.' At its core, it is derived from the i-adjective 大きい (ookii), meaning 'big' or 'large.' In Japanese grammar, the suffix 〜さ (-sa) is used to transform adjectives into abstract nouns that represent a measurable degree or state. Therefore, while ookii describes something as being big, ookisa refers to the quality of how big it is—its size.
- Physical Dimension
- Used to describe the physical proportions of an object, such as a box, a room, or a piece of clothing. It answers the question 'How big is it?'
- Abstract Magnitude
- Can refer to the scale of non-physical concepts, such as the 'size' of a problem, the 'magnitude' of an impact, or the 'extent' of a dream.
- Comparative Scale
- Often used when comparing two items to see which is larger or if they are the same size.
「この靴の大きさはちょうどいいです。」 (The size of these shoes is just right.)
Understanding ookisa requires recognizing that it doesn't just mean 'bigness.' In many contexts, it is the neutral term for 'size.' For example, if you are at a post office and the clerk asks about the size of your parcel, they will use ookisa regardless of whether the parcel is tiny or massive. It is the category of measurement itself. This distinguishes it from words like sunpou (dimensions/measurements), which is more technical, or saizu (size), which is a loanword often used specifically for clothing or standardized formats.
「地球の大きさを測るのは難しい。」 (Measuring the size of the Earth is difficult.)
「画面の大きさが気に入りました。」 (I liked the size of the screen.)
- Visual Representation
- Think of a slider on a screen. The slider itself represents the 'ookisa'—it can move from small to large.
「声の大きさに注意してください。」 (Please be careful with the volume [size] of your voice.)
「夢の大きさは人それぞれだ。」 (The size of one's dreams varies from person to person.)
Using 大きさ (ookisa) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun. Unlike the adjective ookii, which modifies nouns directly (e.g., ookii inu - a big dog), ookisa is the subject or object of a sentence that discusses the concept of size itself. It is frequently paired with the particle は (wa) to define the size of something, or を (wo) when performing an action like measuring or comparing.
1. Describing Attributes
The most common pattern is [Noun] + の + 大きさ. For example, heya no ookisa (the size of the room). You can then describe this size using adjectives like juubun (sufficient), futeisetsu (inappropriate), or odoroku hodo (surprising).
「このカバンの大きさは旅行にぴったりだ。」 (The size of this bag is perfect for travel.)
2. Comparing and Measuring
When you want to compare the size of two things, you use ookisa as the point of comparison. Ookisa wo kuraberu means 'to compare sizes.' To measure size, you use ookisa wo hakaru.
「二つのリンゴの大きさを比べてみてください。」 (Please try comparing the sizes of the two apples.)
3. Abstract Usage
Ookisa is not limited to physical objects. It is often used to describe the scale of abstract concepts like influence, responsibility, or sound. For instance, koe no ookisa (volume of voice) is a very common phrase. If someone is speaking too loudly, you might say koe no ookisa wo kangaete kudasai (please consider the volume of your voice).
「責任の大きさを感じています。」 (I feel the magnitude of the responsibility.)
In professional settings, ookisa might be replaced by more specific terms like menseki (area) or youseki (volume), but in daily conversation, ookisa remains the go-to word for general scale. It is versatile, simple, and essential for describing the world around you.
You will encounter 大きさ (ookisa) in a vast array of everyday situations in Japan. From shopping malls to science documentaries, this word is a staple of the Japanese language. Its frequency is high because it covers both the literal and the figurative aspects of 'scale.'
In Retail and Shopping
When shopping for furniture, electronics, or even groceries, you will hear staff and customers discussing ookisa. A clerk might ask, Dono kurai no ookisa ga yoroshii desu ka? (What kind of size would be good?). You'll see it on labels indicating the dimensions of a product.
「この冷蔵庫、うちの台所には大きさが合いません。」 (The size of this refrigerator doesn't fit in our kitchen.)
In Education and Science
Teachers use ookisa to explain concepts in math and science. Whether discussing the size of a cell under a microscope or the magnitude of a planet, ookisa is the standard term. In geography, it's used to compare the sizes of countries or islands.
「太陽の大きさは地球の約109倍です。」 (The size of the sun is about 109 times that of the Earth.)
In Social Contexts
As mentioned previously, koe no ookisa (voice volume) is a frequent topic. In Japanese culture, being mindful of one's surroundings is crucial, and that includes the 'size' of one's voice in public spaces like trains or libraries. You might see signs saying Koe no ookisa ni ki wo tsukemashou (Let's be careful with the volume of our voices).
In Media and News
News reports often use ookisa to describe the scale of events. This could be the size of a typhoon, the magnitude of an earthquake (though shindo or magunichuudo are more technical, ookisa might be used in general commentary), or the scale of a political scandal.
While 大きさ (ookisa) is a relatively straightforward word, learners often make specific errors regarding its grammatical category and its distinction from similar words.
1. Using it as an Adjective
The most common mistake is trying to use ookisa to describe a noun directly, like an adjective. Learners might say *ookisa inu instead of ookii inu. Remember: Ookii is the adjective (Big), and Ookisa is the noun (Size). You cannot say 'a size dog' when you mean 'a big dog.'
2. Confusing with 'Saizu'
While saizu (from English 'size') and ookisa are often interchangeable, saizu is more common for standardized measurements like S/M/L in clothing or shoe sizes. Using ookisa for a shirt size might sound slightly unnatural, though it's technically understandable. Use saizu for fashion and ookisa for general physical bulk.
3. Overusing it for 'Quantity'
Ookisa refers to physical dimensions or magnitude, not quantity. If you want to talk about 'how many' items there are, you should use kazu (number) or ryou (amount/quantity). Don't use ookisa to mean 'a large amount of water'; use ryou for that.
4. Forgetting the Particle 'No'
When connecting ookisa to the thing it belongs to, you must use the possessive particle no. It is ringo no ookisa, not *ringo ookisa.
To truly master 大きさ (ookisa), it helps to understand the nuances of its synonyms and related terms. Japanese has several ways to express 'size' or 'scale' depending on the context.
- サイズ (Saizu)
- A loanword used primarily for clothing, shoes, and standardized product specifications. It feels more modern and specific to consumer goods.
- 寸法 (Sunpou)
- Refers to technical measurements or dimensions (length, width, height). You'll hear this in carpentry, tailoring, or engineering.
- 規模 (Kibo)
- Used for the 'scale' of organizations, projects, or events. For example, daikibo na keikaku (a large-scale plan). It's more abstract than physical size.
- 面積 (Menseki)
- Specifically refers to 'area' (square footage/meters). Use this when discussing the size of land or a flat surface.
- 容積 (Youseki) / 体積 (Taiseki)
- These refer to 'volume' or 'capacity.' Youseki is often used for containers, while taiseki is used in mathematical/scientific contexts for 3D space.
While ookisa is the generalist, these other words are specialists. If you are unsure, ookisa is usually a safe bet in casual conversation, but as you progress to B1 and B2 levels, using kibo for business or sunpou for DIY projects will make your Japanese sound much more natural and precise.
「この会社の規模は大きいです。」 (The scale of this company is large.) vs 「この机の大きさはちょうどいいです。」 (The size of this desk is just right.)
How Formal Is It?
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कठिनाई स्तर
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
このかばんの大きさはいいです。
The size of this bag is good.
Noun + no + ookisa
大きさはどれくらいですか？
How big is it? (What is the size?)
Question about size
りんごの大きさを教えてください。
Please tell me the size of the apple.
Requesting information
この靴の大きさは小さいです。
The size of these shoes is small.
Describing size
大きさは同じです。
The size is the same.
Comparison
大きい箱と小さい箱、大きさは違います。
A big box and a small box; the sizes are different.
Contrast
その大きさで大丈夫です。
That size is fine.
Acceptance
大きさを見てください。
Please look at the size.
Imperative
声の大きさに気をつけてください。
Please be careful with the volume of your voice.
Abstract use: volume
この部屋の大きさを測りましょう。
Let's measure the size of this room.
Verb: hakaru (measure)
大きさはちょうどいいと思います。
I think the size is just right.
Expressing opinion
二つのカバンの大きさを比べました。
I compared the sizes of the two bags.
Verb: kuraberu (compare)
大きさは関係ありません。
The size doesn't matter.
Negative statement
もっと大きい大きさはありませんか？
Don't you have a larger size?
Asking for alternatives
この大きさなら、車に入ります。
If it's this size, it will fit in the car.
Conditional 'nara'
文字の大きさを変えたいです。
I want to change the size of the characters (font size).
Digital context
地震の大きさはマグニチュードで表されます。
The magnitude of an earthquake is expressed in magnitude.
Scientific context
責任の大きさを感じて、緊張しています。
I feel the magnitude of the responsibility and am nervous.
Metaphorical use
このプロジェクトの大きさは予想以上でした。
The scale of this project was more than expected.
Comparison with expectation
画面の大きさが、このスマホの魅力です。
The screen size is the appeal of this smartphone.
Highlighting a feature
大きさによって値段が違います。
The price varies depending on the size.
Structure: ~ni yotte (depending on)
彼は声の大きさを調節するのが苦手だ。
He is not good at adjusting the volume of his voice.
Verb: chousetsu (adjust)
その問題の大きさは、まだ誰にもわからない。
No one knows the extent of that problem yet.
Abstract magnitude
大きさの順に並べてください。
Please arrange them in order of size.
Ordering
被害の大きさは計り知れない。
The extent of the damage is immeasurable.
Idiomatic: hakari-shirenai
宇宙の大きさを想像するのは難しい。
It is difficult to imagine the size of the universe.
Philosophical/Scientific
この建物の大きさは、周囲の景観を圧倒している。
The size of this building overwhelms the surrounding landscape.
Descriptive/Formal
影響の大きさから考えて、慎重になるべきだ。
Considering the magnitude of the impact, we should be cautious.
Logical reasoning
大きさの異なる部品を組み合わせて作ります。
It is made by combining parts of different sizes.
Technical description
彼の器の大きさに感動した。
I was moved by the greatness of his character (lit. size of his vessel).
Idiomatic: utsuwa no ookisa
大きさのバランスが崩れている。
The balance of sizes is disrupted.
Artistic critique
都市の大きさは人口に比例するわけではない。
The size of a city is not necessarily proportional to its population.
Complex logical structure
その発見の歴史的な大きさは、後世になって評価された。
The historical magnitude of that discovery was appreciated by later generations.
Historical/Academic
市場の大きさを正確に把握することが不可欠だ。
It is essential to accurately grasp the size of the market.
Business strategy
大きさという概念を哲学的に考察する。
To philosophically consider the concept of size.
Abstract noun as a concept
その損失の大きさは、会社を倒産に追い込むほどだった。
The magnitude of the loss was enough to drive the company into bankruptcy.
Cause and effect
彫刻の大きさは、見る者に畏怖の念を抱かせる。
The size of the sculpture inspires a sense of awe in the viewer.
Artistic impact
情報の大きさではなく、質が重要である。
It is not the size (volume) of information, but the quality that is important.
Contrastive focus
大きさの制約がある中で、最大限の成果を出す。
To achieve maximum results within size constraints.
Constraint context
その野望の大きさは、誰にも止められなかった。
The scale of his ambition was unstoppable by anyone.
Literary/Dramatic
存在の大きさゆえに、彼の不在は耐え難いものとなった。
Because of the greatness of his presence, his absence became unbearable.
Formal 'yue ni' (because of)
この理論は、宇宙の極微から極大までの大きさを網羅している。
This theory covers sizes from the infinitesimal to the cosmic.
Advanced scientific discourse
大きさの不均衡が、構造的な脆弱性を生んでいる。
The imbalance of size is creating structural vulnerability.
Technical/Analytical
権力の大きさは、時として人間を盲目にする。
The magnitude of power sometimes blinds humans.
Philosophical aphorism
その悲劇の大きさは、言葉で尽くせるものではない。
The magnitude of that tragedy is beyond words.
Literary expression
自己の小ささを知ることで、世界の大きさを知る。
By knowing one's own smallness, one knows the greatness of the world.
Paradoxical/Spiritual
大きさの推移をデータに基づいて分析する。
Analyze the transition of size based on data.
Academic research
その愛の大きさは、海よりも深いと言えよう。
One might say the magnitude of that love is deeper than the sea.
Poetic/Rhetorical
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
大きさはどれくらい？ (How big is it?)
ちょうどいい大きさ (just the right size)
大きさに関わらず (regardless of size)
手ごろな大きさ (handy/manageable size)
見た目の大きさ (apparent size)
大きさのバランス (balance of size)
大きさの制限 (size limit)
かなりの大きさ (considerable size)
標準的な大きさ (standard size)
大きさの調整 (size adjustment)
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
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आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
Can be used for 'magnitude' of feelings or problems.
In math, it refers to 'magnitude' of vectors.
सुझाव
The -sa Suffix
Mastering the -sa suffix allows you to turn many adjectives into useful nouns. Try it with 'hayasa' (speed) or 'tsuyosa' (strength). It's a very productive pattern in Japanese.
Voice Control
In Japan, 'koe no ookisa' is a matter of social harmony. Being told your voice is 'ookii' is often a polite way of being told to be quiet. Pay attention to the volume of those around you.
Asking for Sizes
When shopping for non-clothing items, use 'ookisa'. For clothes, 'saizu' is much more common. If you're at a furniture store, 'ookisa' or 'sunpou' (dimensions) are best.
Utsuwa no Ookisa
Learn the phrase 'utsuwa ga ookii'. It's a high-level compliment meaning someone is broad-minded and capable. It's a great way to describe a respected mentor or boss.
Be Precise
While 'ookisa' is general, using 'hirosa' for a room or 'nagasa' for a rope makes you sound more like a native speaker. Use 'ookisa' when referring to the overall bulk.
Noun Chains
In Japanese, you can chain nouns with 'no'. 'Hako no ookisa no chigai' (the difference in the sizes of the boxes) is a perfectly natural way to build complex ideas.
Pitch Accent
Ookisa is a heiban (flat) word. This means the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable. Practicing this helps you sound more natural.
Size vs Quantity
Remember that 'ookisa' is about dimensions. If you mean 'a lot of' something (like water or people), use 'ryou' or 'kazu' instead. Don't mix up size and amount.
Hand Gestures
When Japanese people talk about 'ookisa', they often use their hands to frame the object. Watch for these gestures to help understand the scale they are referring to.
Screen Size
For electronics, 'gamen no ookisa' is the standard way to refer to screen real estate. It's a very common topic in tech reviews and advertisements.
याद करें
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
When presenting products, 'ookisa' is a key selling point, often balanced with 'keiryou' (lightweight).
In trains, signs often remind passengers to keep the 'ookisa' of their voice low.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"この机の大きさ、どう思いますか？ (What do you think of the size of this desk?)"
"新しいスマホの画面の大きさはどのくらいですか？ (How big is the screen of your new smartphone?)"
"声の大きさに気をつけてもらえますか？ (Could you please be careful with your voice volume?)"
"カバンの大きさは、旅行に十分ですか？ (Is the size of the bag sufficient for the trip?)"
"一番使いやすい文字の大きさはどれですか？ (What is the easiest font size to use?)"
डायरी विषय
今日、大きさに驚いたものを書いてください。 (Write about something whose size surprised you today.)
理想的な部屋の大きさについて説明してください。 (Explain your ideal room size.)
「器の大きさ」がある人についてどう思いますか？ (What do you think about people who have a 'large vessel'?)
自分の声の大きさについて考えたことがありますか？ (Have you ever thought about the volume of your voice?)
都会と田舎、どちらの大きさ（規模）が好きですか？ (Which scale/size of city or countryside do you prefer?)
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालYes, but usually for their physical frame or 'utsuwa no ookisa' (character). To ask for height, use 'shinchou'.
It is neutral. It can be used in both casual and formal settings, though technical terms exist for specific fields.
'Saizu' is mostly for consumer products like clothes. 'Ookisa' is the general word for how big anything is.
You can say 'chuugen no ookisa' or more commonly 'chuusaizu' or 'M-saizu'.
Indirectly, yes. 'Sekinin no ookisa' means the magnitude or importance of the responsibility.
No, it is the category of size. It can be 'chiisai ookisa' (a small size), though that's slightly redundant.
You say 'Kore no ookisa wa dore kurai desu ka?'
Yes, 'fairu no ookisa' is common, though 'fairu saizu' is also very frequent.
There isn't a direct opposite noun for the category, but 'chiisasa' is the noun for 'smallness'.
Yes, for the magnitude of values or vectors.
खुद को परखो 180 सवाल
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Ookisa (大きさ) is the indispensable Japanese noun for 'size.' By transforming the adjective 'ookii' into a noun, it allows speakers to discuss the dimensions, magnitude, and scale of everything from a small apple to the vast universe or the volume of a human voice.
- Ookisa is the noun for 'size,' derived from the adjective 'ookii' (big). It is used for physical objects and abstract concepts like volume.
- Grammatically, it functions as a noun, often following the pattern [Noun] + の + 大きさ. It is essential for comparing and measuring things.
- In daily life, it appears when shopping, discussing voice volume (koe no ookisa), or describing the scale of problems or events.
- Commonly confused with 'saizu' (clothing size) or 'kibo' (business scale), but 'ookisa' is the most general and versatile term for size.
The -sa Suffix
Mastering the -sa suffix allows you to turn many adjectives into useful nouns. Try it with 'hayasa' (speed) or 'tsuyosa' (strength). It's a very productive pattern in Japanese.
Voice Control
In Japan, 'koe no ookisa' is a matter of social harmony. Being told your voice is 'ookii' is often a polite way of being told to be quiet. Pay attention to the volume of those around you.
Asking for Sizes
When shopping for non-clothing items, use 'ookisa'. For clothes, 'saizu' is much more common. If you're at a furniture store, 'ookisa' or 'sunpou' (dimensions) are best.
Utsuwa no Ookisa
Learn the phrase 'utsuwa ga ookii'. It's a high-level compliment meaning someone is broad-minded and capable. It's a great way to describe a respected mentor or boss.
उदाहरण
この部屋の大きさはどれくらいですか？
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
general के और शब्द
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2A little; a moment; a bit. Small amount or short time.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2A little while ago; a short time past.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
～について
A2किसी विषय के बारे में बात करने या सोचने के लिए इस्तेमाल किया जाने वाला वाक्यांश।
〜について
B1एक वाक्यांश जिसका अर्थ 'के बारे में' या 'के विषय में' है।
～ぐらい
A2about, approximately
ぐらい
A2About; approximately; to the extent of.
