Grand vs. gros
In French, the words grand and gros are often used to convey the notion of size. However, they are used in different contexts and indicate different types of size.
Grand
A1The word grand is used to describe something that is big in height or length. Additionally, it can signify importance, age or intensity.
Il a un grand arbre dans son jardin.
(He has a big tree in his garden.)
C'est un grand homme.
(He is a great man.)
J'ai une grande faim.
(I'm very hungry.)
Gros
A1Gros is used to describe something that is big in terms of width or volume, often conveying the idea of something fat or bulky.
Il a un gros chat.
(He has a fat cat.)
Ce camion est très gros.
(This truck is very big.)
J'ai une grosse valise à porter.
(I have a large suitcase to carry.)
Summary
Grand and gros, both translating as big, are used differently in French. Grand refers to something large in height, length or significance while gros refers to something large in width or volume, often implying bulkiness or fatness.