How to Use Comparative and Superlative Forms of Adjectives and Adverbs in Czech
Understanding Comparative and Superlative Forms in Czech
In Czech, adjectives and adverbs change their forms to express comparison, similar to English. The comparative form is used to compare two things, while the superlative form expresses the highest degree among three or more things.
Forming the Comparative in Czech
To form the comparative of most adjectives and adverbs in Czech, you typically add the suffix -ější or -ší to the adjective stem. The choice depends on the adjective's ending and phonetics.
For example:
větší
bigger
menší
smaller
rychlejší
faster
Forming the Superlative in Czech
The superlative is formed by adding the prefix nej- to the comparative form of the adjective or adverb.
For example:
největší
the biggest
nejmenší
the smallest
nejrychlejší
the fastest
Usage of Comparative and Superlative Forms
Comparatives are often used with the word než (than) to compare two things, similar to English.
Example: Ten dům je větší než ten druhý. (That house is bigger than the other one.)
Superlatives are used with the definite article or possessive pronouns to indicate the highest degree.
Example: To je nejkrásnější místo. (This is the most beautiful place.)
Irregular Comparative and Superlative Forms
Some Czech adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms. For example:
dobrý - lepší - nejlepší
good - better - best
špatný - horší - nejhorší
bad - worse - worst
velký - větší - největší
big - bigger - biggest
Further Reading
- Czech Adjectives Explained
A detailed guide on Czech adjectives including their forms and usage.
- Czech Comparatives and Superlatives
An overview of forming comparatives and superlatives in Czech with examples.
- Czech Adjectives and Their Forms
Learn about Czech adjectives, including comparative and superlative forms.