How to Use Comparative and Superlative Forms in Malay

Understanding Comparatives and Superlatives in Malay

In Malay, comparatives and superlatives are used to compare qualities or states between two or more things, similar to English. However, the way these forms are constructed differs from English, making it important for learners to understand the specific rules and patterns in Malay.

Forming the Comparative in Malay

To express the comparative form ("more" or "-er" in English), Malay typically uses the word lebih before the adjective. Lebih means "more" and is placed directly before the adjective to indicate a higher degree of the quality.

For example:

• Dia lebih tinggi daripada saya. (He is taller than me.)
• Rumah itu lebih besar daripada rumah saya. (That house is bigger than my house.)

Forming the Superlative in Malay

The superlative form ("most" or "-est" in English) is also formed using paling, which means "most". Place paling before the adjective to indicate the highest degree among a group.

For example:

• Dia adalah pelajar paling pintar di kelas. (He is the smartest student in the class.)
• Ini adalah buku paling menarik yang pernah saya baca. (This is the most interesting book I have ever read.)

Using 'Daripada' to Compare

When making comparisons, Malay often uses the word daripada (meaning "than") after the adjective phrase to indicate what is being compared.

Example:

• Kereta saya lebih laju daripada kereta dia. (My car is faster than his car.)
• Cuaca hari ini lebih panas daripada semalam. (Today's weather is hotter than yesterday.)

Summary of Comparative and Superlative Formation

1. Use lebih + adjective + daripada + noun/pronoun for comparatives.
2. Use paling + adjective for superlatives.
3. No changes are made to the adjective itself; the words lebih and paling indicate degree.
4. Daripada is used to show the comparison target in comparatives.

Examples of Common Adjectives in Comparative and Superlative Forms

Using these adjectives in sentences:

• Dia lebih tinggi daripada saya. (He is taller than me.)
• Rumah itu paling besar di kawasan itu. (That house is the biggest in the area.)
• Anak itu paling pintar dalam kelas. (That child is the smartest in the class.)