Comparative and superlative in Spanish

To make comparisons of adjectives in Spanish, there are several structures that are used to express superiority, inferiority or equality. In Spanish we distinguish three types of comparatives in Spanish: the comparative of equality, the comparative of superiority, the comparative of inferiority and three types of superlatives: the superlative of superiority, the superlative of inferiority and the absolute superlative.

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Page content

»Comparative of superiority
»Comparative of inferiority
»Comparative of equality
»Superlative of superiority
»Superlative of inferiority
»Absolute superlative
»Conclusion

Comparative of superiority

It is used to express that something is more than something else. More + adjective + than Example: Juan es más alto que Pedro. (Juan is taller than Pedro.)

Comparative of equality

It is used to express that two things have the same quality. So + adjective + as Example: El coche es tan rápido como la motocicleta. (The car is as fast as the motorcycle.)

Comparative of inferiority

It is used to express that something is less than something else. Less + adjective + than Example: María es menos inteligente que Laura. (María is less intelligent than Laura.)

Superlative of superiority

It is used to express that something or someone has the highest quality compared to a group.

El/la/los/las + more + adjective

Example: María es la más inteligente de la clase. (Maria is the smartest in the class.)

Superlative of inferiority

It is used to express that something or someone has the least quality compared to a group.

El/la/los/las/las + menos + adjective

Example: Este es el menos interesante de los libros. (This is the least interesting of the books.)

Superlative of absolute

It is used to express that something or someone has a quality to the highest degree.

Muy + adjective

Example: Ella es muy amable. (She is very kind.)

Conclusion

Don't forget to agree in gender and number of the adjective with the noun it modifies! Practice these structures with different adjectives and contexts to better understand how to make comparisons in Spanish. A good idea is to participate in conversations and debates where you can practice making comparisons. Discuss topics and compare situations to apply what you have learned. Check out the language courses that Sprachcaffe offers in Spain and Latin America and travel to live countries to improve your Spanish.

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Types of words in Spanish