Learning how to make comparisons in Portuguese is a skill that can significantly improve your fluency and confidence in the language. Whether you’re discussing preferences, prices, or people, knowing how to use comparative structures allows you to express your thoughts more clearly and accurately. In this Portuguese lesson, we’ll explore the essential rules and phrases that will help you master this important aspect of Portuguese grammar.
We make comparisons so frequently in our daily conversations. Statements like “This restaurant is more expensive than that one”, “Portuguese is easier than German”, or “Maria is less outgoing than José” are commonplace.
In this lesson, we focus on comparisons of inequality. You will learn how to say more than and less than in Portuguese.
The video below in this lesson includes different examples but gives the same explanations.
Making Comparisons Using “More than” in Portuguese
In Portuguese, the phrases for “more than” are mais que or mais do que.
You can use these constructions with adjectives, adverbs, nouns, or verbs.
Here are examples of comparisons in Portuguese:
1) Márcia é mais alta que Clarinha. / Márcia é mais alta do que Clarinha. (Márcia is taller than Clarinha.)
2) Diogo dirige mais cuidadosamente que Tiago. / Diogo dirige mais cuidadosamente do que Tiago. (Diogo drives more carefully than Tiago.
3) Essa casa tem mais quartos que aquela outra. / Essa casa tem mais quartos do que aquela outra. (This house has more rooms than that other one.)
4) Francisca viaja mais que Antônia. / Francisca viaja mais do que Antônia. (Francisca travels more than Antônia.)
5) Esse restaurante é mais caro que aquele. / Esse restaurante é mais caro do que aquele. (This restaurant is more expensive than that one.)
6) Português é mais fácil que alemão. / Português é mais fácil do que alemão. (Portuguese is easier than German.)
Key Takeaway:
In Portuguese, regardless of the size or length of the word, comparisons using “more than” simply employ “mais ____ que” or “mais ____ do que.”
Both “que” and “do que” are correct and interchangeable. It is a matter of personal habit.
Making Comparisons Using “Less than” in Portuguese
The process for expressing “less than” in Portuguese mirrors that of “more than”, using menos que or menos do que.
Examples:
1) Daniela é menos tímida que Camila. / Daniela é menos tímida do que Camila. (Daniela is less shy than Camila.)
2) Camila é menos ocupada que Daniela. / Camila é menos ocupada do que Daniela. (Camila is less busy than Daniela.)
3) Camila tem menos amigos que Daniela. / Camila tem menos amigos do que Daniela. (Camila has fewer friends than Daniela.)
4) Vilma trabalha menos que Lúcia. / Vilma trabalha menos do que Lúcia. (Vilma works less than Lúcia.)
5) Maria é menos extrovertida que José. / Maria é menos extrovertida do que José. (Maria is less outgoing than José.)
Did You Know?
In Portuguese, “menos” is used for both “less” and “fewer.” So the next time you hear Brazilian friends mixing up these terms in English, you’ll understand the reason!
🚨 Avoid these Common Mistakes
Note that you can omit the proposition “do” but you cannot omit the conjunction “que”.
So, avoid the very common mistake of saying:
- Incorrect: Diogo é mais alto do Tiago.
- Incorrect: Diogo é mais alto de Tiago.
Instead, you should say:
- Diogo é mais alto que Tiago.
- Diogo é mais alto do que Tiago.
Also avoid saying “de” in your comparisons. Stick with “do que”.
In addition, please avoid using “menas” at all costs – it’s a common error among some Portuguese speakers (including Brazilians), but it’s grammatically incorrect and sounds really bad. The word “menas” does not exist.
Using Intensifiers When Making Comparisons in Portuguese: Muito Mais and Bem Mais
Now let’s see how you can use intensifiers in your comparisons in Portuguese. Two commonly used intensifiers are muito and bem.
If you are wondering, “Hey, doesn’t bem mean well?” Yes, it does. It also serves as an intensifier. I’ve discussed this usage in another lesson that you might find helpful, so be sure to check it out too.
Here are examples using these intensifiers in comparisons:
1) João ganha muito mais do que Pedro. (João earns much more than Pedro.)
2) João trabalha bem mais do que Pedro. (João works much more than Pedro.)
3) Ele correu muito menos hoje do que ontem. (He ran much less today than yesterday.)
4) Hoje Ana trabalha bem menos do que costumava trabalhar na outra empresa. (Today Ana works much less than she used to at the other company.)
The Verb Gostar in Comparisons
When you use the verb “gostar” (to like) in Portuguese to make comparisons, remember to use the preposition “de”. This preposition connects the verb to what you’re talking about, whether it’s a hobby, a food, or anything else you might like.
For example, if you’re comparing your likes in a sentence, you would say:
- Eu gosto mais de café do que de chá. / Eu gosto mais de café que de chá. (I like coffee more than tea.)
Exceptions to the Rule
Like any language, Portuguese has its irregularities. While they are not numerous, mastering these irregular comparatives can significantly improve how you sound in Portuguese. Check out our lesson on irregular comparisons to dive deeper.
Practice is the Key
Now that you’ve learned how to make comparisons in Portuguese, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Use your new phrases in everyday conversations and impress your friends with your fluency. You might even spark some interesting discussions!
Not sure if you’ll remember how to do it correctly? I’ve got you covered.
Get access to interactive exercises to practice making comparisons in Portuguese and more.
Join my mailing list to get instant access to these practice exercises:
✓ Making comparisons in Portuguese
✓ Ordering food and drinks in Brazil
✓ 21 idiomatic expressions with colors
Join here 👇🏼
Then, look forward to weekly(ish) mini-lessons, language tips, and exclusive learning resources 💪🏼
