A common question among French learners is: How do I make and use comparisons in French? Comparisons are essential for expressing differences or similarities between people, objects, or ideas. French has specific structures and words for making comparisons. Let’s break them down with examples!
1. Comparisons of Equality
To express that two things are equal, use the structure aussi… que (as… as).
Structure:
- Subject + verb + aussi + adjective/adverb + que + comparison.
Examples:
- Elle est aussi intelligente que lui.
(She is as smart as him.) - Il court aussi vite que son frère.
(He runs as fast as his brother.)
2. Comparisons of Inequality
To indicate that one thing is greater or lesser than another, use plus… que (more than) or moins… que (less than).
Structure:
- Subject + verb + plus/moins + adjective/adverb + que + comparison.
Examples:
- Cet hôtel est plus cher que l’autre.
(This hotel is more expensive than the other one.) - Elle est moins rapide que sa sœur.
(She is less fast than her sister.)
3. Superlatives
To express the highest degree of a quality, use le plus… or le moins… (the most… or the least…).
Structure:
- Subject + verb + le plus/moins + adjective + de + group.
Examples:
- C’est le restaurant le plus populaire de la ville.
(This is the most popular restaurant in the city.) - C’est la voiture la moins rapide du marché.
(This is the least fast car on the market.)
More Examples:
Comparisons of Equality:
- Cette robe est aussi jolie que celle-là.
(This dress is as pretty as that one.)
Comparisons of Inequality:
- Mon frère est plus grand que moi.
(My brother is taller than me.)
Superlatives:
- Elle est la meilleure élève de la classe.
(She is the best student in the class.)
Summary
To make comparisons in French, use aussi… que for equality, plus… que for greater than, and moins… que for lesser than. For superlatives, use le plus… or le moins… With these structures, you can effectively express similarities and differences in a variety of contexts!
