Understanding Comparisons in Portuguese
Comparisons allow speakers to highlight differences in quantity, quality, or degree. In Portuguese, the basic structures for making comparisons are quite straightforward and are similar to those found in English. The two main structures are:
- Mais… do que (more… than)
- Menos… do que (less… than)
How to Use “Mais… do que”
“Mais… do que” is used to compare two entities, indicating that the first has more of a quality or quantity than the second. Here’s how you can construct sentences using this structure:
- Subject + verb + mais + adjective/noun/adverb + do que + comparison object
Examples:
- Ela é mais alta do que a irmã. (She is taller than her sister.)
- Este livro é mais interessante do que aquele. (This book is more interesting than that one.)
- Eu estudo mais rapidamente do que você. (I study faster than you.)
Notice how “mais” comes before the adjective, noun, or adverb, and “do que” introduces the thing or person being compared.
How to Use “Menos… do que”
“Menos… do que” works in the same way but expresses that the first entity has less of a quality or quantity than the second. The structure is:
- Subject + verb + menos + adjective/noun/adverb + do que + comparison object
Examples:
- Ele é menos paciente do que eu. (He is less patient than I am.)
- Nós temos menos tempo do que antes. (We have less time than before.)
- O carro dela anda menos rapidamente do que o meu. (Her car goes less quickly than mine.)
Important Tips and Exceptions
- Gender and Number Agreement: In Portuguese, adjectives must agree with the noun they modify in gender and number. For example: “mais altos do que” (more tall, masculine plural) or “menos bonitas do que” (less beautiful, feminine plural).
- Irregular Comparatives: Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms. For example, “bom” (good) becomes “melhor” (better) instead of “mais bom.” Similarly, “mau” (bad) becomes “pior” (worse).
- Omitting ‘do que’: In informal speech, “do que” can sometimes be omitted when it is clear from context, but for clarity and correctness, especially in writing or formal situations, always include it.
Comparing Quantities and Numbers
When comparing numbers, you may also encounter “mais de” (more than) and “menos de” (less than), which are used before specific numbers:
- Há mais de vinte alunos na sala. (There are more than twenty students in the room.)
- Ele tem menos de cinco reais. (He has less than five reais.)
Note that “do que” is used when comparing qualities or characteristics, while “de” is used before numbers.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master these comparative structures is through practice. Try creating your own sentences using “mais… do que” and “menos… do que.” You can also use language learning tools like Talkpal to practice speaking and receive instant feedback, helping you build confidence and fluency in Portuguese.
Conclusion
Understanding and using “mais… do que” and “menos… do que” will allow you to make clear and effective comparisons in Portuguese. Remember the basic structures, watch out for irregular forms, and practice regularly. Whether you’re chatting with friends or taking your Portuguese skills to the next level with resources like the Talkpal AI language learning blog, these comparative forms are essential tools for expressing yourself in Portuguese.
