Understanding Comparative Adjectives in Kazakh Grammar

In the Kazakh language, comparative adjectives play a vital role in expressing differences and comparisons between two or more entities. This article delves into the intricacies of comparative adjectives in Kazakh grammar, revealing ways to construct, identify and use them correctly. You will learn about the different forms, suffixes, and sentence structures that make up this integral part of Kazakh grammar.

Formation of Comparative Adjectives

Regular Comparative Adjectives: In Kazakh, comparative adjectives are created by adding a specific suffix to the base adjective. The most common suffix used is -рақ/-рек, which is added to the end of the adjective. For example:

• жақсы (good) – жақсырақ (better)
• шыны (true) – шынырақ (truer)
• таза (clean) – тазарақ (cleaner)

Irregular Comparative Adjectives: Just like in the English language, there are some irregular comparative adjectives in Kazakh that do not follow the standard suffix rule. A few examples include:

• ұлы (big) – үлкен (bigger)
• кіші (small) – кішкене (smaller)
• көп (much, many) – көбірек (more)

Usage of Comparative Adjectives in Sentences

Constructing sentences with comparative adjectives in Kazakh can be done in multiple ways. The essential components are the two entities being compared, the adjective in its comparative form, and the conjunction де equivalent to “than” in English. Below are the different structures:

Structure 1: [Noun 1] [Comparative Adjective] де [Noun 2]

Example: Бұл апельсин ағадақ де алма.

Translation: This orange is sweeter than the apple.

Structure 2: [Noun 1] [Noun 2]-ге/ке [Comparative Adjective]

Example: Сарыарқада Қазақстан Китай-га үлкен.

Translation: Kazakhstan is bigger than China in size.

Negating Comparative Adjectives

When expressing the absence of difference between two entities or emphasizing their similarities, you can negate a comparative adjective in Kazakh. To do this, simply add the negative particle емес immediately after the comparative adjective. For example:

Менің биылғы оқу жылым кейінгі жылғы оқу жылымнан қиынрақ емес.

Translation: My study year this year is not harder than my study year last year.

Conclusion

Mastering comparative adjectives in Kazakh grammar is essential to expressing differences and making comparisons effectively. By understanding the formation of regular and irregular comparative adjectives, their usage in sentences, and their negation, you can communicate more eloquently and efficiently in the Kazakh language. As you advance in your studies, these skills will prove invaluable in understanding and participating in everyday Kazakh communication.