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A1 adjective 10 min read

wielki

Examples wielki in 30 Seconds
Explanation wielki in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'wielki' is primarily introduced as a synonym for 'bardzo duży' (very big). Students learn it to describe physical objects that stand out due to their size. The focus is on basic gender agreement: 'wielki dom' (masculine), 'wielka ryba' (feminine), 'wielkie okno' (neuter). At this stage, learners should use it to add variety to their descriptions, moving beyond the repetitive use of 'duży'. It is often one of the first adjectives taught because of its high frequency and simple structure. Learners are encouraged to use it in simple sentences like 'To jest wielki pies' or 'Mam wielki problem'. The emphasis is on recognizing the word in text and applying the correct ending for the noun's gender. It helps build the foundation for understanding how Polish adjectives change their form. Students also learn common polite phrases like 'Wielkie dzięki' (Big thanks), which is a useful conversational tool. By the end of A1, a student should be able to identify 'wielki' as meaning 'great' or 'very large' and use it correctly in the nominative case for all three genders.
At the A2 level, learners begin to see 'wielki' used in more abstract contexts and in different grammatical cases. They move beyond just physical size and start using it for importance or intensity, such as 'wielki sukces' (great success) or 'wielka miłość' (great love). Grammar becomes more complex as students are introduced to the Genitive ('nie ma wielkiego problemu') and Accusative ('widzę wielką górę') cases. The distinction between 'duży' and 'wielki' starts to become clearer, with 'wielki' being used for more emphatic or emotional situations. Students also learn the plural forms, specifically the difference between 'wielcy' (for masculine-personal nouns like 'wielcy ludzie') and 'wielkie' (for non-masculine-personal nouns like 'wielkie miasta'). This is a crucial step in mastering Polish pluralization. A2 learners are expected to use 'wielki' in short stories or descriptions of their life, such as describing a 'wielki festiwal' they attended. They also encounter it in more common idioms and fixed expressions used in daily Polish life, such as 'Wielka Brytania' (Great Britain) or 'Wielkanoc' (Easter).
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At the B1 level, students should have a firm grasp of all declensions of 'wielki' across all seven cases. The focus shifts to the nuance of the word and its role in more complex sentence structures. B1 learners use 'wielki' to express opinions and provide detailed descriptions. They understand that 'wielki' can carry a tone of irony or sarcasm in phrases like 'wielki miłośnik' (a 'great' lover of something, often used ironically). They are introduced to more sophisticated synonyms like 'ogromny' or 'potężny' and learn when 'wielki' is the better choice for emphasizing historical or moral greatness. At this stage, students read longer texts where 'wielki' appears in historical contexts, such as 'Wielka Emigracja' or 'Kazimierz Wielki'. They are expected to use 'wielki' correctly in writing essays about culture or history. The word becomes a tool for expressing degree and intensity in more formal settings. B1 students also start to recognize the word's presence in literature and media, where it often signifies a turning point or a major theme in a story. They can discuss 'wielkie wyzwania' (great challenges) facing society or their personal 'wielkie marzenia' (great dreams).
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At the B2 level, 'wielki' is used with precision and stylistic awareness. Students understand the subtle differences between 'wielki', 'znaczący' (significant), and 'wybitny' (outstanding). They can use 'wielki' in professional and academic settings, such as describing a 'wielki wpływ' (great influence) or 'wielkie znaczenie' (great significance). The word's role in word formation is explored, looking at related words like 'wielkość' (size/greatness) or 'powiększać' (to enlarge). B2 learners are comfortable using 'wielki' in complex grammatical structures, including passive voice and conditional sentences. They can analyze why an author chose 'wielki' over 'duży' in a literary text to convey a specific mood or importance. Sarcasm and idiomatic usage are fully integrated into their vocabulary. They can handle phrases like 'wielkie mi co' with the correct intonation. B2 students are also aware of the cultural weight of the word in Polish history and can discuss its implications in national identity. They use 'wielki' to add weight to their arguments in debates, whether discussing 'wielkie odkrycia' (great discoveries) or 'wielkie rozczarowania' (great disappointments).
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At the C1 level, the learner uses 'wielki' with the fluency of a native speaker, recognizing every nuance and stylistic possibility. They understand the archaisms associated with the word and how it has evolved in the Polish language. C1 students can use 'wielki' to create specific rhetorical effects, such as using it in the post-position for emphasis ('człowiek wielki' vs 'wielki człowiek'). They are familiar with the word's use in high literature, poetry, and philosophical texts. The distinction between physical magnitude and metaphysical greatness is handled with ease. C1 learners can participate in deep discussions about 'wielkie idee' (great ideas) or 'wielkie dzieła sztuki' (great works of art), using the word to navigate complex abstract landscapes. They also master the most obscure idioms and regional variations involving 'wielki'. Their writing is enriched by a balanced use of 'wielki' and its more specific synonyms, ensuring that the word is never used lazily but always for maximum impact. They can also explain the etymological roots of the word and its cognates in other Slavic languages, showing a deep linguistic understanding.
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At the C2 level, 'wielki' is a tool for absolute mastery. The learner can manipulate the word's meaning through subtle shifts in context, tone, and placement. They understand its role in the 'Polish soul' and how it has been used by the greatest Polish writers like Mickiewicz or Słowacki. C2 speakers can use 'wielki' in highly specialized fields—be it law, theology, or science—where it might have specific technical meanings. They can play with the word in creative writing, using it to evoke historical eras or specific emotional states. Their understanding of the word is holistic, encompassing its grammar, its history, its cultural connotations, and its phonetic beauty. A C2 learner can deliver a lecture on 'wielcy Polacy' or write a critique of a 'wielkie wydarzenie' with perfect linguistic precision. They recognize 'wielki' as not just a word for size, but as a fundamental building block of Polish thought and expression. At this level, the word is used with complete spontaneity and perfect accuracy, reflecting a deep integration into the Polish linguistic and cultural environment.
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Examples

wielki in 30 Seconds

  • Wielki means 'great' or 'very large'.
  • It changes endings based on gender (wielki, wielka, wielkie).
  • It is more emphatic and abstract than the word 'duży'.
  • It is used for historical figures, big emotions, and huge objects.
The Polish word wielki is one of the most fundamental adjectives in the Polish language, yet it carries a depth that often surprises English speakers. At its most basic level, it translates to 'great,' 'large,' or 'big,' but its application spans from physical dimensions to abstract concepts of importance, historical significance, and emotional intensity. Unlike the word duży, which primarily refers to physical size (a big box, a large room), wielki often implies a sense of grandeur, scale, or exceptional quality. It is the word you use when something is not just large, but impressively so, or when someone has achieved something of monumental importance.
Physical Scale
Used to describe objects that are massive or towering, such as a mountain or a skyscraper. In this context, it emphasizes the awe-inspiring nature of the size.

To jest wielki dom, który zajmuje całą przecznicę.

Translation: This is a great/huge house that takes up the whole block.
Abstract Greatness
Used for historical figures, achievements, or events. For example, 'Kazimierz Wielki' (Casimir the Great) or 'wielki sukces' (a great success).

To był wielki zaszczyt spotkać pana prezydenta.

Translation: It was a great honor to meet the president.
Emotional Intensity
When describing feelings like love, fear, or joy, 'wielki' indicates a high degree of that emotion. 'Wielka miłość' means a grand, profound love.

Mamy wielki problem z nowym oprogramowaniem.

On ma wielkie serce dla wszystkich zwierząt.

In everyday speech, you will hear wielki when people talk about big sales ('wielka wyprzedaż'), big plans ('wielkie plany'), or even big mistakes ('wielki błąd'). It is a versatile tool for adding emphasis. When you are at an A1 level, you can start by replacing 'bardzo duży' (very big) with 'wielki' to sound more natural and sophisticated. As you progress, you will see how it forms the basis for many idioms and fixed expressions that define the Polish worldview, emphasizing the importance of scale and impact in both history and personal life.
Using wielki correctly requires understanding Polish adjective declension. Because it is an adjective, it must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. For beginners, the most important forms to learn are the nominative singular forms: wielki (masculine), wielka (feminine), and wielkie (neuter). Understanding these shifts is crucial because Polish nouns carry gender, and using the wrong ending is a common mistake for English speakers.
Masculine Usage
Used with masculine nouns like 'pies' (dog), 'dom' (house), or 'człowiek' (man/person). Example: 'wielki pies'.

To jest wielki krok dla ludzkości.

Translation: This is a great step for humanity.
Feminine Usage
Used with feminine nouns like 'ryba' (fish), 'szansa' (chance), or 'brytania' (Britain). Example: 'Wielka Brytania'.

To była wielka niespodzianka dla nas wszystkich.

Translation: That was a great surprise for all of us.
Neuter Usage
Used with neuter nouns like 'miasto' (city), 'dziecko' (child), or 'wyzwanie' (challenge). Example: 'wielkie wyzwanie'.

To wielkie miasto nigdy nie śpi.

Translation: This great city never sleeps.

Wielcy artyści często są nierozumiani.

Translation: Great artists are often misunderstood.
When constructing sentences, remember that 'wielki' usually precedes the noun. However, in titles or specific poetic contexts, it might follow the noun (e.g., Kazimierz Wielki). For A1 learners, stick to the [Adjective + Noun] pattern. As you move into higher levels, you will encounter 'wielki' in cases like the Genitive ('nie ma wielkiego problemu') or Dative ('przyglądam się wielkiej budowli'). Each case change alters the ending of the word, but the core meaning of 'greatness' remains constant. Practice by describing things around you: a 'wielki stół' (great/large table), a 'wielka lampa' (large lamp), or a 'wielkie okno' (large window). This helps cement the gender agreement which is the backbone of Polish sentence structure.
In Poland, you will encounter wielki in a variety of settings, ranging from the most formal historical discourses to the most casual street slang. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the extraordinary. One of the most common places to hear it is in the news or when discussing national affairs. Politicians and journalists frequently use 'wielki' to emphasize the importance of a policy, a crisis, or a celebration. For instance, 'Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy' (The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity) is the most famous charity event in Poland, known by every citizen. Here, 'wielka' signifies the massive scale and the national unity involved in the event.
In Shopping and Advertising
Walking through a Polish mall, you will see signs screaming 'WIELKA WYPRZEDAŻ' (Great Sale). Marketers use this word to create a sense of urgency and magnitude that 'duża' simply cannot convey.

Zapraszamy na wielkie otwarcie nowej galerii!

Translation: We invite you to the grand opening of the new gallery!
In History and Education
Polish history books are filled with 'Wielkie' events. 'Wielka Wojna' (The Great War - WWI), 'Wielki Post' (Lent), and 'Wielki Tydzień' (Holy Week) are essential terms for understanding Polish culture and religion.

Jan Paweł II był wielkim Polakiem.

Translation: John Paul II was a great Pole.
In Casual Conversation
Younger generations use 'wielki' for exaggeration. 'Wielkie dzięki' (Big thanks) is a very common way to express gratitude. 'Wielkie mi co' is a sarcastic way to say 'Big deal' or 'So what?'.

Wielkie dzięki za pomoc przy przeprowadzce!

On robi z tego wielką sprawę, a to drobiazg.

Translation: He's making a big deal out of it, but it's a trifle.
In cinema and literature, 'wielki' is ubiquitous. Think of 'Wielki Gatsby' (The Great Gatsby). When you hear this word, pay attention to the tone. It often carries a weight of respect or intense focus. Whether you are listening to a priest during 'Wielkanoc' (Easter - literally 'Great Night') or a friend complaining about a 'wielki korek' (huge traffic jam), the word serves as a primary amplifier for the Polish language, signaling that what follows is of significant scale or consequence.
The most frequent mistake English speakers make when using wielki is confusing it with duży. While they both mean 'big' or 'large' in a dictionary sense, their usage is not always interchangeable. Using 'wielki' for a mundane object like a spoon or a pencil might sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. For example, if you say 'To jest wielki ołówek' (This is a great pencil), a Pole might wonder if the pencil has historical importance or if it's five feet tall. For a standard large pencil, 'duży ołówek' is the correct choice.
Mistake 1: Over-dramatization
Using 'wielki' for small, everyday items. Stick to 'duży' for things you can hold in your hand unless they are unusually massive.

Incorrect: Chcę wielką kawę. (Unless it's a 2-liter bucket). Correct: Chcę dużą kawę.

Mistake 2: Gender Agreement
English speakers often forget to change 'wielki' to 'wielka' or 'wielkie'. Saying 'wielki ryba' is a glaring error because 'ryba' is feminine.

Mistake: To jest wielki miasto. Correction: To jest wielkie miasto.

Mistake 3: Plural Confusion
Using 'wielkie' for people. If you are talking about 'great men,' you must use 'wielcy'. If you use 'wielkie,' you are implying they are objects or children, which can be offensive or just weird.

Oni są wielcy (They are great men). Oni są wielkie (They are great... things?).

Kupiłeś nowy samochód? Wielkie mi co!

Finally, learners often struggle with the declension of 'wielki' in other cases. For example, in the Instrumental case, it becomes 'wielkim' or 'wielką'. 'Jesteś wielkim człowiekiem' (You are a great person). Many students default to the Nominative 'wielki' in all situations. This is understandable but prevents you from reaching fluency. Focus on the Nominative first, but be aware that the word's 'tail' will wag depending on its role in the sentence. Avoiding these pitfalls—overuse, gender mismatch, and plural errors—will immediately make your Polish sound more professional and authentic.
While wielki is a powerhouse word, the Polish language offers a rich palette of synonyms that can provide more precision depending on the context. Knowing when to use 'ogromny' instead of 'wielki' can elevate your speaking from basic to advanced.
Duży vs. Wielki
'Duży' is objective and physical. 'Wielki' is subjective, emphatic, or abstract. You have a 'duży pokój' (large room), but a 'wielki sukces' (great success).

Ten pies jest duży, ale tamten jest po prostu wielki!

Translation: This dog is big, but that one is simply huge!
Ogromny / Olbrzymi
These words mean 'huge' or 'enormous.' If 'wielki' is 10/10, 'ogromny' is 12/10. Use 'ogromny' for things that are truly staggering in size or quantity.

On ma ogromne doświadczenie w tej dziedzinie.

Translation: He has enormous experience in this field.
Potężny
Meaning 'powerful' or 'mighty.' This is the word for a 'potężna armia' (powerful army) or a 'potężny głos' (mighty voice). It combines size with strength.

To jest potężny budynek, który budzi respekt.

Wspaniały
Meaning 'wonderful' or 'magnificent.' Sometimes 'wielki' is used when 'wspaniały' would be more appropriate for expressing admiration. 'Wspaniały koncert' vs. 'Wielki koncert'.

To była wspaniała przygoda!

Znamienity
A very formal word for 'distinguished' or 'eminent.' Use this in academic or high-society contexts instead of the simpler 'wielki'.

Gościmy dziś znamienitego profesora.

Understanding these nuances allows you to describe the world with much more color. If you are angry about a 'wielki błąd' (great mistake), you might upgrade it to a 'kardynalny błąd' (cardinal mistake). If you are impressed by a 'wielki dom,' you might call it a 'rezydencja' (residence). But 'wielki' remains your reliable, all-purpose anchor. It is the most common way to say 'great' because it balances impact with simplicity. As you learn these alternatives, always keep 'wielki' in your back pocket for those moments when you need to convey that something is truly, undeniably significant.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈvjɛl.ki/
US /ˈvjɛl.ki/
Stressed on the first syllable: WIEL-ki.
Rhymes With
niewielki belki szelki brukselki butelki kropelki piszczelki mgiełki
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'w' like 'w' in 'water' instead of 'v' in 'vase'.
  • Missing the softening effect of the 'i' after 'w'.
  • Over-emphasizing the final 'i'.
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Examples by Level

1

To jest wielki dom.

This is a great/large house.

'Wielki' is masculine nominative to match 'dom'.

2

Mam wielki problem.

I have a big problem.

'Wielki' matches the masculine noun 'problem'.

3

To jest wielka ryba.

This is a big fish.

'Wielka' is feminine nominative to match 'ryba'.

4

Oto wielkie okno.

Here is a big window.

'Wielkie' is neuter nominative to match 'okno'.

5

Wielkie dzięki!

Big thanks!

Fixed plural expression for gratitude.

6

On jest wielki.

He is great/huge.

Predicate adjective form.

7

To wielka niespodzianka.

It's a big surprise.

Feminine agreement with 'niespodzianka'.

8

Widzę wielki samochód.

I see a big car.

Accusative masculine (same as nominative for inanimate).

1

To był wielki sukces.

It was a great success.

Abstract use of greatness.

2

Mieszkam w wielkim mieście.

I live in a big city.

Locative case: 'wielkim' (masculine/neuter).

3

Szukam wielkiej torby.

I am looking for a big bag.

Genitive case: 'wielkiej' (feminine).

4

Czy znasz tego wielkiego aktora?

Do you know this great actor?

Accusative masculine-personal: '-ego' ending.

5

To są wielkie plany.

These are big plans.

Non-virile plural nominative.

6

Oni są wielcy.

They are great.

Virile plural nominative.

7

Wielka Brytania jest wyspą.

Great Britain is an island.

Proper noun usage.

8

To jest wielkie wyzwanie.

This is a great challenge.

Neuter agreement with 'wyzwanie'.

1

Kazimierz Wielki był królem Polski.

Casimir the Great was the king of Poland.

Historical epithet.

2

Nie rób z tego wielkiej sprawy.

Don't make a big deal out of it.

Idiomatic usage in Genitive.

3

To wielki zaszczyt cię poznać.

It is a great honor to meet you.

Formal social expression.

4

Mamy przed sobą wielką przyszłość.

We have a great future ahead of us.

Abstract temporal usage.

5

To był wielki błąd taktyczny.

It was a great tactical error.

Professional/Strategic context.

6

Wielka Emigracja miała wpływ na kulturę.

The Great Emigration had an impact on culture.

Historical term.

7

On jest wielkim miłośnikiem muzyki.

He is a great lover of music.

Instrumental case: 'wielkim'.

8

Wielkie mi co, każdy to potrafi.

Big deal, everyone can do that.

Sarcastic idiom.

1

Podjął wielkie ryzyko, inwestując wszystko.

He took a great risk by investing everything.

Collocation: 'wielkie ryzyko'.

2

Wielka Orkiestra Świątecznej Pomocy gra co roku.

The Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity plays every year.

Specific Polish cultural reference.

3

To odkrycie ma wielkie znaczenie dla nauki.

This discovery has great significance for science.

Academic context.

4

Wielcy poeci pisali o wolności.

Great poets wrote about freedom.

Virile plural for historical figures.

5

Czuję wielką ulgę po egzaminie.

I feel a great relief after the exam.

Emotional intensity.

6

Wielkie czyny wymagają odwagi.

Great deeds require courage.

Moral/Ethical context.

7

To jest wielki krok w dobrą stronę.

This is a great step in the right direction.

Metaphorical usage.

8

Przyglądamy się wielkim zmianom na świecie.

We are observing great changes in the world.

Dative plural: 'wielkim'.

1

Wielkość tego przedsięwzięcia nas przerosła.

The magnitude of this undertaking overwhelmed us.

Noun form 'wielkość' derived from 'wielki'.

2

Był to człowiek wielkiego formatu.

He was a man of great stature/caliber.

Idiomatic 'wielkiego formatu'.

3

Wielka Improwizacja to kluczowy fragment Dziadów.

The Great Improvisation is a key fragment of 'Forefathers' Eve'.

Literary reference.

4

Wielkie słowa nie zawsze idą w parze z czynami.

Great words do not always go hand in hand with deeds.

Philosophical proverb.

5

To wielka rzadkość w dzisiejszych czasach.

It is a great rarity in today's times.

Abstract noun modification.

6

Wielkim nakładem sił osiągnęli cel.

With a great expenditure of effort, they reached the goal.

Instrumental case for means.

7

Wielkie Księstwo Litewskie było potęgą.

The Grand Duchy of Lithuania was a power.

Historical political entity.

8

Nie ma wielkiego wyboru w tym sklepie.

There isn't much (great) choice in this shop.

Negative Genitive.

1

Wielkość ducha objawia się w cierpieniu.

Greatness of spirit reveals itself in suffering.

Philosophical/Metaphysical context.

2

To wielka niewiadoma, co przyniesie jutro.

It is a great unknown what tomorrow will bring.

Abstract idiomatic noun.

3

Wielka Gra to termin z dziedziny geopolityki.

The Great Game is a term from geopolitics.

Specialized terminology.

4

Wielkie wymieranie gatunków jest faktem.

The great extinction of species is a fact.

Scientific/Historical terminology.

5

Jego wielkość jako artysty jest niepodważalna.

His greatness as an artist is unquestionable.

Abstract noun usage.

6

Wielki Piątek to dzień zadumy.

Good Friday is a day of reflection.

Religious calendar term.

7

Wielkie teorie fizyczne zmieniają świat.

Great physical theories change the world.

Intellectual context.

8

Wielka Trójka decydowała o losach powojennej Europy.

The Big Three decided the fate of post-war Europe.

Historical political reference.

Common Collocations

wielki sukces
wielki problem
wielki człowiek
wielka miłość
wielka Brytania
wielki błąd
wielki świat
wielka radość
wielkie miasto
wielki finał

Common Phrases

Wielkie dzięki

— A common, informal way to say 'Thanks a lot'.

Wielkie dzięki za pomoc!

Wielkie mi co

— A sarcastic expression meaning 'Big deal' or 'So what?'.

Kupiłeś rower? Wielkie mi co!

Na wielką skalę

— Doing something on a large scale.

Produkcja ruszyła na wielką skalę.

Z wielką przyjemnością

— With great pleasure, a formal polite response.

Z wielką przyjemnością przyjmuję zaproszenie.

Wielki Post

— The religious period of Lent before Easter.

Wielki Post trwa czterdzieści dni.

Wielka wyprzedaż

— A big sale in a shop.

W galerii jest wielka wyprzedaż.

Wielki finał

— The grand finale of a show or competition.

Wielki finał odbędzie się w sobotę.

Wielka niewiadoma

— A great unknown or mystery.

Przyszłość to wielka niewiadoma.

Wielki świat

— The 'high society' or the big world outside.

Wyjechała do wielkiego świata.

Wielkie oczy

— Literally 'big eyes', often used in the proverb 'Strach ma wielkie oczy' (Fear has big eyes).

Nie bój się, strach ma wielkie oczy.

Idioms & Expressions

"Strach ma wielkie oczy"

— Fear makes things look worse than they are.

Nie martw się egzaminem, strach ma wielkie oczy.

proverb
"Wielki pan"

— Someone who acts superior or wealthy, often used sarcastically.

Zrobił się z niego wielki pan.

informal/ironic
"Robić wielkie oczy"

— To be very surprised.

Zrobił wielkie oczy, gdy mnie zobaczył.

neutral
"Mieć wielkie serce"

— To be very kind and generous.

Moja babcia ma wielkie serce.

neutral
"Żyć na wielkiej stopie"

— To live a lavish, expensive lifestyle.

Oni zawsze żyli na wielkiej stopie.

neutral
"Wielka ryba"

— An important, influential person (big fish).

On jest wielką rybą w tej branży.

informal
"Z wielkim hukiem"

— With a big bang or with great fanfare/scandal.

Odszedł z pracy z wielkim hukiem.

neutral
"Wielkie słowa"

— Grandiloquent or empty promises.

To tylko wielkie słowa bez pokrycia.

neutral
"Wielka woda"

— A flood or a very large body of water.

Podczas wielkiej wody zalało piwnice.

neutral
"Grać wielką rolę"

— To play a major role in something.

Edukacja gra wielką rolę w życiu.

neutral

Word Family

Nouns

wielkość (size/greatness)
wielkolud (giant)
uwielbienie (adoration)

Verbs

powiększać (to enlarge)
uwielbiać (to adore/love greatly)
wyolbrzymiać (to exaggerate)

Adjectives

niewielki (small/not big)
wielokrotny (multiple)
wielostronny (multilateral)

Related

wiele (many/much)
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