Translation guide
The English word "big" covers physical size, importance, scale, and intensity. Japanese uses different words depending on what is big and how it is big. This guide organizes the most useful meanings for learners.
Describe something as large in size or stature.
The most common and general word for 'big' or 'large'. Used for concrete objects, people, animals, etc.
This dog is big, isn't it?
Please give me a big box.
Pre-noun adjectival form of 大きい. Used only before nouns. Slightly more subjective or emotive than 大きい.
I want to live in a big house.
Very casual, often masculine. Emphasizes impressiveness or excessiveness of size.
I caught a huge fish!
Describe something as big in terms of quantity, area, or scale.
Describe something as big in importance or significance.
Commonly used for important events, decisions, problems, etc.
Today is a big day.
Directly means 'important'. Use when 'big' means 'significant' rather than physical size.
Often used in negative or rhetorical contexts to mean 'no big deal' or 'not a big thing'. Can also be positive: 'quite a big...'
Refer to an older sibling or relative.
Older brother (used when referring to one's own brother to outsiders).
My big brother is a college student.
Polite form for older brother, used for others' brothers or when addressing one's own brother politely.
Older sister (humble, for one's own).
Polite form for older sister.
Describe a sound as loud or big.
Describe a person as big-hearted or generous.
Refer to being an adult or grown-up.
Describe an emotion or effect as big or intense.
大きい is an i-adjective and can be used at the end of a sentence or before a noun. 大きな is a pre-noun adjectival and can only be used before a noun. 大きな often sounds slightly more subjective or emotive, while 大きい is more objective. In many cases they are interchangeable before nouns, but 大きい is more versatile.
The loanword ビッグ (biggu) is used in some contexts like 'big business' or 'big event', but it is not a general translation for 'big'. Overusing it can sound unnatural. Stick to native Japanese words unless it's a set phrase.
大きな変化があった。
There was a big change.
It had a big influence.
It became a big problem.
これは重要な決定だ。
This is a big decision.
大したことじゃないよ。
It's not a big deal.
お兄さんは何歳ですか？
How old is your big brother?
My big sister is a doctor.
お姉さんにプレゼントを買った。
I bought a present for my big sister.
大きな音がした。
There was a big (loud) noise.
寛大な処置をお願いします。
Please be big about this (show leniency).
I got a big impression.