Portuguese, like many other languages, has adverbs of comparison that are used to express the degree or intensity of a particular action or quality. These adverbs allow us to compare two or more things, indicating whether one is greater, smaller, or equal to another. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to Portuguese adverbs of comparison, explaining their usage, formation, and providing example sentences to illustrate their application.
Types of Adverbs of Comparison
In Portuguese, there are three main types of adverbs of comparison: comparative adverbs, superlative adverbs, and equal adverbs. Each type has its own specific function and is used in different contexts.
1.1 Comparative Adverbs
Comparative adverbs are used to compare two actions or qualities. They indicate whether one action or quality is performed to a greater or lesser extent than another. In Portuguese, comparative adverbs are formed by adding the suffix -mente to the feminine form of the adjective or by using the word “mais” (meaning “more”) before the adverb. For example:
Rapidamente (Quickly) – Ela corre mais rapidamente do que eu. (She runs more quickly than me.)
Facilmente (Easily) – Ele aprende facilmente. (He learns easily.)
1.2 Superlative Adverbs
Superlative adverbs, as the name suggests, are used to express the highest or lowest degree of an action or quality. They indicate that one action or quality surpasses all others. In Portuguese, superlative adverbs are formed by adding the suffix -íssimo/a/os/as to the adjective or by using the word “mais” (meaning “most”) before the adverb. For example:
Rapidíssimo (Very quickly) – Ele corre o mais rapidíssimo possível. (He runs as quickly as possible.)
Facilíssimo (Very easily) – A tarefa é a mais facilíssima de todas. (The task is the easiest of all.)
1.3 Equal Adverbs
Equal adverbs are used to indicate that two actions or qualities are the same. They express equality or similarity. In Portuguese, equal adverbs are formed by using the word “tão” (meaning “as”) before the adverb. For example:
Tão rapidamente (As quickly) – Ele corre tão rapidamente quanto eu. (He runs as quickly as me.)
Tão facilmente (As easily) – Eles aprendem tão facilmente quanto nós. (They learn as easily as us.)
Comparative Structures
In addition to the formation of adverbs of comparison, it’s essential to understand how to construct comparative sentences in Portuguese. There are two main structures used to express comparison: comparative of superiority and comparative of inferiority.
2.1 Comparative of Superiority
The comparative of superiority is used when we want to indicate that one thing or person has a greater degree of a quality than another. In Portuguese, this structure is formed by using “mais” (more) before the adjective or adverb. For example:
Ele é mais rápido do que eu. (He is faster than me.)
Ela estuda mais intensamente do que você. (She studies more intensely than you.)
2.2 Comparative of Inferiority
The comparative of inferiority is used to express that one thing or person has a lesser degree of a quality than another. In Portuguese, this structure is formed by using “menos” (less) before the adjective or adverb. For example:
Ele é menos experiente do que ela. (He is less experienced than her.)
A equipe joga menos bem do que a outra. (The team plays less well than the other.)
Superlative Structures
When we want to express the highest or lowest degree of a quality, we use superlative structures in Portuguese. Similar to comparatives, there are two types of superlatives: superlative of superiority and superlative of inferiority.
3.1 Superlative of Superiority
The superlative of superiority is used when we want to express that something or someone has the highest degree of a quality. In Portuguese, this structure is formed by using “o/a/os/as mais” (the most) before the adjective or adverb. For example:
Ele é o mais rápido da equipe. (He is the fastest in the team.)
Ela é a mais inteligente da turma. (She is the most intelligent in the class.)
3.2 Superlative of Inferiority
The superlative of inferiority is used to express that something or someone has the lowest degree of a quality. In Portuguese, this structure is formed by using “o/a/os/as menos” (the least) before the adjective or adverb. For example:
Ele é o menos experiente da equipe. (He is the least experienced in the team.)
Aquele filme é o menos interessante que já vi. (That movie is the least interesting I’ve ever seen.)
Conclusion
Adverbs of comparison play a crucial role in expressing the degree or intensity of actions or qualities in Portuguese. They allow us to compare different aspects and describe relationships between them. By understanding the types of adverbs of comparison and the structures used to express comparison and superlatives, you can effectively communicate and convey nuanced meanings in Portuguese. Remember to practice using these adverbs in context through conversations, reading, and writing exercises to solidify your understanding and improve your proficiency in Portuguese.
Originally posted 2023-07-15 00:30:50.