era un gran

was a great

→ ser
phrase Uncommon #25,456
was a great This phrase typically comes before a masculine singular noun. Depending on context, “gran” can also mean “big.”
SP: Era un gran chef.
EN: He was a great chef.

Ya que él era un gran músico.

Because he was a great musician.

Era un gran tipo.

He was a great guy.

Mi padre era un gran mujeriego.

My father was a notorious womanizer.

— Lazzaro felice (2018)

Mi exmarido era un gran amante.

My ex-husband was a great lover.

— La vida de Adèle (2013)

No sabía que era un gran secreto.

I didn't know it was a big secret.

Tomás era un gran compañero de equipo.

Tomás was a great teammate.

Su papá era un gran fan de Louis L'Amour.

Her dad was a big fan of Louis L'Amour.

— Temporada de Sangre (2025)

Mi padre era un gran piloto de combate.

My father was a great fighter pilot.

Era un gran privilegio trabajar contigo.

It was a great privilege to work with you.

¿Eso era un gran pedazo de puerta volando o qué?

Was that a huge chunk of a door flying through the air or what?

— Se levanta el viento (2013)

Vivaldi era un gran músico.

Vivaldi was a great musician.

— Dos son familia (2016)

Era un gran profesor.

He was a great teacher.

— Anatomía de una Caída (2023)

El que trabajaba aquí era un gran periodista.

The one who worked here was a great journalist.

Era un gran fan.

He was a big fan.

— Por eso lo llaman amor (2017)

Parece que Tom era un gran atleta.

It seems that Tom was a great athlete.