Kata SifatA1

Comparisons

Comparisons: lebih...dari (more...than), paling (most), se- (as...as), kurang (less)

Learning Goal

Can make comparisons using lebih/paling/se-/kurang with adjectives

Exam Skills:BerbicaraMenulisMerespons Kaidah

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.

Learners try to change the adjective form (like English bigger/biggest) instead of using lebih/paling. 🇬🇧 English: No '-er'/'-est'! 'bigger' = 'lebih besar', 'biggest' = 'paling besar'.

Common Error Patterns

Trying 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

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