Understanding Comparative Adjectives in Armenian Grammar

Formation of Comparative Adjectives

In Armenian grammar, comparative adjectives are crucial for expressing comparisons between objects, individuals, or ideas. To create a comparative adjective in the Armenian language, the suffix -ագուցի (-agutsi) or -ավոր (-avor) is attached to the adjective’s root. The choice between these two suffixes relies on the phonetic harmony of the adjective.

Examples of Comparative Adjectives

To better illustrate the formation of comparative adjectives in Armenian grammar, consider the following examples:

1. բարձր (bardzr) – tall
բարձրավոր (bardzavor) – taller

2. հագուստ (hagust) – expensive
հագուստագուցի (hagustagutsi) – more expensive

Using Comparative Adjectives in Sentences

Constructing Sentences with Comparative Adjectives

Constructing sentences with comparative adjectives requires two essential elements: the subject and the object being compared. The structure of such a sentence consists of these components: subject + verb + comparative adjective + object.

Examples of Sentences with Comparative Adjectives

Here are some examples demonstrating the use of comparative adjectives in sentences:

1. Սամվելը բարձրավոր է քան Գաբրիելը։
Samvel is taller than Gabriel.

2. Այս շահերտը հագուստագուցի է քան այն։
This dress is more expensive than that one.

Negative Comparative Adjectives in Armenian Grammar

Formation of Negative Comparative Adjectives

In contrast to simple comparative adjectives, negative comparative adjectives express the idea that one object or person possesses a lesser degree of a particular attribute than another. To create negative comparative adjectives, the prefix ավելի ոչ (aveli och) or ավելի ոչ (aveli och) is placed before the basic adjective form, without adding any suffixes.

Examples of Negative Comparative Adjectives

Let’s look at some examples of negative comparative adjectives:

1. բարձր (bardzr) – tall
ավելի ոչ բարձր (aveli och bardzr) – less tall

2. հագուստ (hagust) – expensive
ավելի ոչ հագուստ (aveli och hagust) – less expensive

Examples of Sentences with Negative Comparative Adjectives

1. Մարիամը ավելի ոչ բարձր է քան Աննա։
Mariam is less tall than Anna.

2. Այն լրացքը ավելի ոչ հագուստ է քան այս լրացքը։
That shirt is less expensive than this shirt.

In summary, understanding and using comparative adjectives in Armenian grammar is essential for expressing comparisons. Knowledge of the formation and rules surrounding their use allows for accurate, clear communication in a variety of situations.