Prepositions of comparison play a crucial role in the Portuguese language when it comes to expressing comparisons between people, objects, or ideas. These prepositions are used to indicate similarities, differences, and degrees of comparison. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to Portuguese prepositions of comparison, along with example sentences to help you understand their usage and meaning.
Introduction to Prepositions of Comparison:
Prepositions of comparison are words that establish a relationship between two or more elements, indicating the comparison or contrast between them. In Portuguese, some common prepositions of comparison include “como” (like, as), “mais” (more), “menos” (less), “melhor” (better), “pior” (worse), “igual” (equal), and “do que” (than). These prepositions are used to express comparisons in various contexts, such as comparing physical attributes, qualities, abilities, or quantities.
Using “Como” (Like, As):
The preposition “como” is frequently used to establish a comparison or similarity between two entities. It can be translated as “like” or “as” in English. Take a look at the following examples:
Ele é alto como o seu pai.
(He is tall like his father.)
Ela canta como uma estrela.
(She sings like a star.)
In these sentences, “como” is used to compare someone’s height to their father’s height and someone’s singing ability to that of a star.
Using “Mais” (More) and “Menos” (Less):
The prepositions “mais” and “menos” are used to indicate a comparison in terms of quantity or degree. “Mais” means “more” in English, while “menos” means “less.” Here are a couple of examples:
Ele tem mais dinheiro do que eu.
(He has more money than I do.)
Este livro é menos interessante do que o outro.
(This book is less interesting than the other one.)
In these sentences, “mais” and “menos” are used to compare the quantity of money and the degree of interest between two individuals and two books, respectively.
Using “Melhor” (Better) and “Pior” (Worse):
The prepositions “melhor” and “pior” are used to express a comparison of quality or ability. “Melhor” means “better” in English, while “pior” means “worse.” Consider the following examples:
Eu sou melhor em matemática do que ele.
(I am better at math than him.)
O tempo está pior do que ontem.
(The weather is worse than yesterday.)
In these sentences, “melhor” and “pior” are used to compare the quality of math skills and the condition of the weather in relation to the past.
Using “Igual” (Equal):
The preposition “igual” is employed to indicate equality between two entities. It can be translated as “equal” in English. Here are a couple of examples:
Elas são iguais em beleza.
(They are equal in beauty.)
O número de alunos é igual ao número de alunas.
(The number of male students is equal to the number of female students.)
In these sentences, “igual” is used to compare the level of beauty between two people and the quantity of male and female students.
Using “Do Que” (Than):
The preposition “do que” is widely used in Portuguese to establish a comparison between two elements. It is equivalent to the English word “than.” Take a look at the following examples:
Ela é mais alta do que ele.
(She is taller than him.)
Este filme é menos interessante do que aquele.
(This movie is less interesting than that one.)
In these sentences, “do que” is used to compare height between two individuals and the level of interest between two movies.
Combining Prepositions for Comparison:
In Portuguese, it is common to combine prepositions to express more complex comparisons. Here’s an example:
Ele é mais alto do que eu, mas ela é tão alta como eu.
(He is taller than me, but she is as tall as me.)
In this sentence, “mais alto do que” is used to compare height between two individuals, and “tão alta como” is used to establish an equal comparison of height.
Conclusion:
Understanding prepositions of comparison is essential for expressing similarities, differences, and degrees of comparison in Portuguese. By using prepositions such as “como,” “mais,” “menos,” “melhor,”pior,” “igual,” and “do que,” you can effectively communicate comparisons in various contexts. Remember to pay attention to the proper usage of these prepositions to convey your intended meaning accurately. With practice, you will become more proficient in using prepositions of comparison in Portuguese.
Originally posted 2023-07-14 14:49:25.