Meaning
big; large; great; loud (for sounds)
Nuance & Usage
大きい describes physical size, volume, or degree. It conjugates as an i-adjective: 大きくない (not big), 大きかった (was big), 大きくて (big and...). When used attributively before a noun, it can optionally shorten to 大きな (ookina): 大きな夢 (a big dream). Importantly, 大きい is used for abstract concepts too: 影響が大きい (big impact), 声が大きい (loud voice). Its opposite is 小さい (chiisai — small).
Common Mistakes
Both 大きい and 大きな can modify nouns (大きい犬 / 大きな犬 — both mean "big dog"), but only 大きい can be used as a predicate: ✓ この犬は大きい ✗ この犬は大きな (wrong as predicate). The な form can ONLY precede a noun, not end a sentence. This is a common grammar error for learners who learn 大きな as a set phrase.
Example Sentences
この荷物はとても大きいですね。
このにもつはとてもおおきいですね。
This luggage is very large, isn't it?
彼女は大きな声で話します。
かのじょはおおきなこえではなします。
She speaks in a loud voice.
将来、大きな夢を持ってください。
しょうらい、おおきなゆめをもってください。
Please hold on to big dreams for the future.
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 大きい with 4 different question types.
Want to practice this word?
Add to Fujiyama & Study with AI
Generate more example sentences, listen to native pronunciation, and review with SRS — all personalized to your JLPT level.