How to Use Comparative and Superlative Adjectives in Greek

Understanding Greek Adjectives: Basics

In Greek, adjectives agree with the nouns they describe in gender, number, and case. Before diving into comparatives and superlatives, it's important to understand the basic forms of Greek adjectives.

Gender and Number Agreement

Greek adjectives change their endings depending on whether the noun is masculine, feminine, or neuter, and whether it is singular or plural. For example, the adjective for 'good' is καλός (kalós) for masculine singular, καλή (kalí) for feminine singular, and καλό (kaló) for neuter singular.

Forming Comparative Adjectives in Greek

Comparative adjectives in Greek are used to compare two things, similar to English. The most common way to form the comparative is by adding the suffix -τερος (-teros) to the adjective stem.

For example, the adjective καλός (good) becomes καλύτερος (better). This form also agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

Here is the masculine singular form of some common comparatives:

• καλός → καλύτερος (good → better)
• μεγάλος → μεγαλύτερος (big → bigger)
• μικρός → μικρότερος (small → smaller)
• γρήγορος → γρηγορότερος (fast → faster)

Irregular Comparatives

Some Greek adjectives have irregular comparative forms that do not follow the typical -τερος pattern. For example, the adjective καλός (good) has the irregular comparative καλύτερος (better), which is common but still follows the pattern. However, some adjectives like πολύς (much/many) form the comparative περισσότερο (more).

Forming Superlative Adjectives in Greek

Superlative adjectives express the highest degree of a quality. In Greek, the superlative is often formed by adding the prefix α- or η- and the suffix -τατος (-tatos) to the adjective stem.

For example, καλός (good) becomes καλύτερος (better) in the comparative and καλύτερος + -τατος = καλύτεροςτατος is not correct; instead, the superlative is καλύτερος with the definite article or the form άριστος (best) is used as an irregular superlative.

More commonly, the superlative is formed by using the definite article with the comparative form, e.g., ο καλύτερος (the best). Alternatively, some adjectives have irregular superlative forms.

Examples of Superlative Forms

• καλός → ο καλύτερος (good → the best)
• μεγάλος → ο μεγαλύτερος (big → the biggest)
• μικρός → ο μικρότερος (small → the smallest)
• πολύς → ο περισσότερο (much/many → the most)

Using Comparative and Superlative Adjectives in Sentences

When using comparatives and superlatives in Greek, remember to match the adjective's gender, number, and case with the noun it describes. Also, the definite article is often used with superlatives.

Examples:

• Αυτό το βιβλίο είναι καλύτερο από το άλλο. (This book is better than the other.)
• Η μεγαλύτερη πόλη της Ελλάδας είναι η Αθήνα. (The biggest city in Greece is Athens.)
• Αυτή είναι η πιο όμορφη μέρα του χρόνου. (This is the most beautiful day of the year.)

Summary of Key Points

1. Comparative adjectives in Greek usually end with -τερος and agree with the noun.
2. Superlative adjectives often use the definite article with the comparative form or have irregular forms.
3. Adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the nouns they modify.
4. Some adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms.
5. Practice using adjectives in sentences to master their forms and usage.