In English we often use the suffixes "-er" and "-est" to indicate that something is or has more or most of a quality. But Spanish takes a different approach. Show Spanish uses the adverbs más and menos before an adjective to indicate that something has more or less of a particular quality. Such phrases are known as comparatives. Más also is often the equivalent of the English suffix "-er" when applied to adjectives. Some examples:
Such comparatives are explained more fully in the lesson on comparisons of inequality. Superlatives are used to indicate that something has the most of a particular quality, as can be done with the English suffix "-est." They are formed in Spanish much like above, except that the definite article is also used, as in these examples:
Plural definite articles can be used, as can the neuter article:
The suffix -ésimo or one of its variations is sometimes considered a type of superlative:
The most common irregular comparatives and superlatives are those involving bueno (good) and malo (bad). The comparative and superlative forms are mejor and peor, respectively:
The forms mayor and menor can also be used as irregular comparatives and superlatives when referring to age:
Finally, pésimo is sometimes considered to be an alternate superlative of malo, and máximo an alternate for grande. Mi principal compromiso es más pragmático que ideológico. (My main promise is more pragmatic than ideological.) El lago de Saoseo es más azul que el cielo. (Lake Saoseo is bluer than the sky.) La niña cuya belleza le dio el título de "la niña más bonita del mundo" ha firmado un lucrativo contrato. (The girl whose beauty gave her the title of "the prettiest girl in the world" has signed a lucrative contract.) Son más baratos en otras tiendas. (They are cheaper in other stores.) No hay personaje más o menos útil; todos tienen su propio rol en el juego. (There is no character more or less useful; all of them have their own roles in the game.) No creo que sea menos importante. (I don't believe it's less important.) Este año será el mejor año de la historia de la humanidad. (This year will be the best year in this history of humanity.) De todos los posibles escenarios, ese me parece el menos probable. (Of all the possible scenarios, that seems to me to be the least likely.) Esta decisión es la más difícil de toda mi vida. (This decision is the most difficult one of my whole life.) Gracias, abuelos, por esta divertísima mañana que nos habéis regalado, ¡sois los mejores! (Thanks, grandparents, for this most fun morning you have given us. You're the best!) Considerada por todos como la peor película de ciencia ficción de la historia. (It is considered by everybody to be the worst science-fiction film in history.)
Comparative and superlative adjectives (los grados del adjetivo) allow us to compare the qualities expressed by adjectives. In Spanish grammar, comparative adjectives express more or less of a certain quality, whilst superlative adjectives express a superior quality. Learn about the different types of comparative and superlatives in Spanish grammar with Lingolia’s simple overview then put your knowledge to the test in the exercises.
Comparative adjectives allow us to compare two or more things. There are two constructions for forming comparatives: más/menos + adjective + que; or tan + adjective + como. The adjective ending agrees in number and gender with the noun it describes. Superlative AdjectivesSuperlative adjectives show the highest level of a quality. In Spanish grammar, superlative adjectives can be relative or absolute. The Relative SuperlativeThe relative superlative describes a person or thing who possesses a certain quality to a greater or lesser degree than another. Its formed using the definite article + más/menos + adjective. The adjective ending agrees in number and gender with the noun it describes. Example: Clara es la más rápida.Clara is the fastest. Clara es la corredora más rápida.Clara is the fastest runner. Carolina es la corredora más lenta.Carolina is the slowest runner. Sofía es la menos rápida del grupo.Sofia is the least fast in the group.The Absolute SuperlativeThe absolute superlative describes a noun at the highest or least degree without comparing it to any other noun. It is formed by adding -ísimo/-ísima/-ísimos/-ísimas to the word root of the adjective. Example: Clara es rapidísima. Clara is very/unbelievably/extremely fast. rápida → rapidísima Fue un examen facilísimo. It was a very easy exam. fácil → facilísimoIrregular Comparative and Superlative Forms
Improve your Spanish with Lingolia. Each grammar topic comes with one free exercise where you can review the basics, as well as many more Lingolia Plus exercises where you can practise according to your level. Check your understanding by hovering over the info bubbles for simple explanations and handy tips. Comparative and Superlative Adjectives – Free Exercise
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