Understanding Comparativo in Portuguese Grammar

Comparativo, an essential aspect of Portuguese grammar, allows you to express comparisons between two or more entities. In this article, you’ll delve into the various structures and degrees of comparison in Portuguese grammar.

Three Degrees of Comparison

In Portuguese, adjectives can be compared in three distinct degrees:

1. Comparativo de Igualdade (Equality)
2. Comparativo de Superioridade (Superiority)
3. Comparativo de Inferioridade (Inferiority)

Let’s explore each degree in further detail.

Comparativo de Igualdade

In the Comparativo de Igualdade, the focus is on drawing parallels between two elements or attributes. To form this comparison, use the phrase “tão…quanto” or “tanto…como” for both adjectives and adverbs.

Here are some examples:

– Ela é tão alta quanto ele. (She is as tall as he is.)
– O carro é tanto caro como o outro. (The car is as expensive as the other one.)

Comparativo de Superioridade

Comparativo de Superioridade emphasizes a higher degree of a certain quality in one element compared to another. To create this comparison, use “mais…do que” or “mais…que” for adjectives and adverbs.

For example:

– Este livro é mais interessante do que aquele. (This book is more interesting than that one.)

Note that, when comparing two actions, “mais” can be replaced with “maior” and “do que” with “deque.” Here is an example:

– Tenho maior prazer em ler deque assistir filmes. (I have greater pleasure in reading than in watching movies.)

Comparativo de Inferioridade

Last but not least, Comparativo de Inferioridade conveys the idea of one element possessing a lesser degree of a certain quality compared to another. For adjectives and adverbs, the structure “menos…do que” or “menos…que” is used to create such comparisons.

Examples include:

– João é menos alto do que seu irmão. (João is less tall than his brother.)

Irregular Comparatives

Like in any language, Portuguese grammar also contains exceptions or irregular comparative forms. Here are a few significant irregular comparatives:

– Bom (good): melhor (better)
– Mau (bad): pior (worse)
– Grande (big): maior (bigger)
– Pequeno (small): menor (smaller)

Examples of irregular comparatives:

– O bolo caseiro é melhor do que o de padaria. (The homemade cake is better than the one from the bakery.)
– Esse problema é menor do que nós pensávamos. (This problem is smaller than we thought.)

Conclusion

With a comprehensive understanding of Comparativo in Portuguese Grammar, you can now effectively compare and contrast elements while communicating in Portuguese. Embrace the intricacies of the language’s degrees of comparison and their respective structures to fully express your thoughts and ideas, setting yourself up for a rewarding Portuguese language learning journey.