Comparisons: lebih...dari (more...than), paling (most), se- (as...as), kurang (less)
Can make comparisons using lebih/paling/se-/kurang with adjectives
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Jakarta lebih besar dari Bandung.
Jakarta is bigger than Bandung.
Ini paling murah di toko ini.
This is the cheapest in this store.
Dia setinggi saya.
He/She is as tall as me.
Kopi ini kurang manis untuk saya.
This coffee is not sweet enough for me.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Indonesian comparisons are completely regular — the adjective never changes! Comparative: lebih + adj + dari/daripada (more...than). Superlative: paling + adj (most). Equality: se- + adj (as...as). Less: kurang + adj. Examples: 'lebih besar dari' (bigger than), 'paling murah' (cheapest), 'setinggi' (as tall as), 'kurang mahal' (less expensive). Also: 'sama + adj + nya + dengan' for formal equality.
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesTrying to change adjective form for comparison (like English bigger/biggest)
Indonesian adjectives NEVER change form! Use 'lebih' (more) or 'paling' (most) BEFORE the adjective. 'bigger' = 'lebih besar', NOT 'besarer'.
Omitting 'dari/daripada' (than) in comparative sentences
Use 'dari' or 'daripada' after the adjective to mark 'than': 'lebih besar DARI Jakarta' (bigger THAN Jakarta).
Jakarta lebih besar dari Bandung.
Jakarta is bigger than Bandung.
'lebih besar dari' = bigger than. 'lebih' = more, 'besar' = big (unchanged!), 'dari' = than. Simple formula!
Ini paling murah di toko ini.
This is the cheapest in this store.
'paling murah' = cheapest (superlative). 'paling' = most. No article 'the' needed. 'toko' = store/shop.
Dia setinggi saya.
He/She is as tall as me.
'setinggi' = as tall as (se- + tinggi). The se- prefix attaches directly to the adjective. Very compact!
Kopi ini kurang manis untuk saya.
This coffee is not sweet enough for me.
'kurang manis' = less sweet / not sweet enough. 'kurang' = less/lacking. 'untuk saya' = for me.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises