Comparing Adjectives in French
Mastering how to compare things is essential for fluid conversation. Whether you are describing differences, similarities, or extremes, French uses a structured system of comparatives and superlatives. Practice these patterns with PrepMyFrench interactive exercises to build your confidence!
The Positive Degree
This is the basic form of an adjective without any comparison. Example: La voiture est rapide. (The car is fast.)
The Comparative
| Comparison Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Superiority | plus ... que | Il est plus grand que moi. (He is taller than me.) |
| Inferiority | moins ... que | Ce livre est moins cher que l'autre. (This book is less expensive than the other.) |
| Equality | aussi ... que | Elle est aussi intelligente que lui. (She is as intelligent as him.) |
The Superlative
| Goal | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Degree | le/la/les plus | C'est la plus belle ville du monde. (It is the most beautiful city in the world.) |
| Lowest Degree | le/la/les moins | C'est le moins rapide des trois. (It is the slowest of the three.) |
⚠️ Watch Out: Irregular Forms
Good (Bon)
The ComparativeMeilleur (Better)
The SuperlativeLe meilleur (The best)
Bad (Mauvais)
The ComparativePire (Worse)
The SuperlativeLe pire (The worst)
Small (Petit)
The ComparativeMoindre (Lesser/Smaller)
The SuperlativeLe moindre (The least)