大きい

Meaning

Japanese: 大きい
Romaji: ookii
Meaning: big, large
Part of speech: い-adjective (形容詞)
Nuance / when to use (1 sentence): Used to describe the physical size of objects, places, or sounds.

Simple Explanation

• This word is used to describe something as big or large.
• Simple pattern: [Noun] は 大きい です。
• It is an い-adjective, so it ends with "い" and can directly modify a noun (e.g., 大きい くるま).

Mnemonic / Memory Trick

• Think of the sound "Ookii" like a giant saying "Ooooh, key!" while holding a huge key. The "oo" sound can remind you of something large and round.
• The kanji 大 itself looks like a person with arms outstretched, showing something big.

Mini Conversation (Cartoon Style)

Sakura 🌸: あの たてもの は 大きい ですね。
Romaji: Ano tatemono wa ookii desu ne.
English: That building is big, isn't it?

Kenji 🐼: はい、とても 大きい です。
Romaji: Hai, totemo ookii desu.
English: Yes, it is very big.

Sakura 🌸: なか も 大きい ですか。
Romaji: Naka mo ookii desu ka.
English: Is the inside big too?

Kenji 🐼: ええ、としょかん ですから、とても ひろい です。
Romaji: Ee, toshokan desu kara, totemo hiroi desu.
English: Yes, because it's a library, it is very spacious.

Common Beginner Mistake

• Mistake: Using the wrong adjective form when connecting to a noun.
  ❌ Incorrect (Japanese): 大き くるま
  ✔ Correct (Japanese): 大きい くるま
• Explanation: The dictionary form of the adjective (大きい) must be used directly before a noun. Do not drop the final "い".

Practice Exercise

Task 1: Fill in the blank.
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

この ______ は 大きい です。
A) ほん (hon)
B) えんぴつ (enpitsu)
C) くるま (kuruma)

Answer: C) くるま
Explanation: While all are nouns, "car" (くるま) is the most typical object to be described as "big" in this context.

Task 2: True or False?
The word "大きい" can be used to describe a sound.
Answer: True.
Explanation: Yes, "大きい" can describe a loud sound (e.g., 大きい おと).

Study Tip

• Try to describe three objects in your room using "大きいです" or "大きくないです" every day to build a natural habit.

Example Sentences (4–6)

Japanese:
この いえ は 大きい です。
Romaji:
Kono ie wa ookii desu.
English:
This house is big.

Japanese:
あの 大きい とり を みて ください。
Romaji:
Ano ookii tori o mite kudasai.
English:
Please look at that big bird.

Japanese:
わたしの かばん は あまり 大きくない です。
Romaji:
Watashi no kaban wa amari ookikunai desu.
English:
My bag is not very big.

Japanese:
きょう は おおきな おと が しました。
Romaji:
Kyou wa ookina oto ga shimashita.
English:
There was a loud (big) sound today.