Language/Indonesian/Grammar/Comparative

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Indonesian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Comparative and Superlative → Comparative

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the topic of comparative in Indonesian grammar. Comparatives allow us to compare two or more things, describing their similarities and differences. Understanding how to form comparatives is essential for expressing preferences, making comparisons, and discussing different aspects of objects, people, or actions. In this lesson, we will learn how to use the words "lebih," "lebih dari," and "sama...dengan" to form comparatives in Indonesian.

Formation of Comparative

To form comparatives in Indonesian, we use the word "lebih" which means "more" in English. We can combine "lebih" with adjectives or adverbs to indicate a higher degree or a comparison between two or more things.

Here are some examples:

Indonesian Pronunciation English
Dia lebih tinggi. Dee-ah leh-bih ting-gi He/She is taller.
Nasi goreng lebih enak. Nasi go-reng leh-bih e-nak Fried rice is more delicious.
Saya lebih pintar. Sa-ya leh-bih pin-tar I am smarter.

In the examples above, we use "lebih" before adjectives or adverbs to compare two things. It indicates that the subject possesses a higher degree of the quality described by the adjective or adverb.

Comparative with "Lebih Dari"

Another way to express comparatives in Indonesian is by using the phrase "lebih dari," which translates to "more than" in English. It is used to compare two things and indicate that one thing has a higher degree or quantity than the other.

Here are some examples:

Indonesian Pronunciation English
Dia lebih tinggi dari saya. Dee-ah leh-bih ting-gi da-ri sa-ya He/She is taller than me.
Harganya lebih mahal dari yang lain. Har-ga-nya leh-bih ma-hal da-ri yang la-in The price is more expensive than the others.
Dia bekerja lebih keras dari sebelumnya. Dee-ah ber-ke-ja leh-bih ker-as da-ri se-be-lum-nya He/She works harder than before.

In these examples, we use "lebih dari" to compare two things and emphasize the difference in degree or quantity between them.

Comparative with "Sama...Dengan"

The phrase "sama...dengan" is used to express equality or similarity in comparatives. It translates to "the same as" or "as...as" in English. It is commonly used to compare two or more things that share the same quality or characteristic.

Here are some examples:

Indonesian Pronunciation English
Dia sama tingginya dengan saya. Dee-ah sa-ma ting-gi-nya den-gan sa-ya He/She is as tall as me.
Harganya sama dengan yang lain. Har-ga-nya sa-ma den-gan yang la-in The price is the same as the others.
Kucing saya sama manisnya dengan kucingnya. Ku-cing sa-ya sa-ma ma-nis-nya den-gan ku-cing-nya My cat is as sweet as his/her cat.

In these examples, we use "sama...dengan" to compare two or more things and highlight their equality or similarity in terms of a specific quality or characteristic.

Cultural Insight: Indonesian Concept of Harmony

In Indonesian culture, the concept of harmony plays a significant role in everyday life, including language usage. Indonesians often avoid direct comparisons that may create a sense of competition or conflict. Instead, they tend to use more subtle ways to express similarities and differences.

For example, when comparing two people's height, Indonesians may use phrases like "Dia lebih tinggi sedikit daripada saya" (He/She is slightly taller than me) instead of directly saying "Dia lebih tinggi dari saya" (He/She is taller than me). This cultural practice reflects Indonesians' preference for maintaining harmony and avoiding unnecessary conflicts or competitions.

Practice Exercises

Now, let's practice what we have learned. Translate the following sentences into Indonesian, using the comparative forms we have discussed:

1. My house is bigger than yours. 2. The movie is more interesting than the book. 3. She is as beautiful as her sister. 4. The red shirt is more expensive than the blue shirt. 5. This restaurant is better than the previous one.

Solutions

Here are the solutions to the practice exercises:

1. Rumah saya lebih besar daripada milikmu. 2. Filmnya lebih menarik daripada bukunya. 3. Dia sama cantiknya dengan kakaknya. 4. Kaos merah lebih mahal daripada kaos biru. 5. Restoran ini lebih baik daripada yang sebelumnya.

In these sentences, we use the comparative forms we have learned to compare different aspects and qualities.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have explored the topic of comparatives in Indonesian grammar. We have learned how to form comparatives using "lebih," "lebih dari," and "sama...dengan." Comparatives allow us to express preferences, make comparisons, and discuss different aspects of objects, people, or actions. By understanding comparatives, you will be able to describe similarities and differences in Indonesian. Keep practicing and applying what you have learned to enhance your language skills.

Table of Contents - Indonesian Course - 0 to A1


Pronouns and Greetings


Basic Grammar


Daily Life


Sentence Structure


Indonesian Culture


Travel and Transportation


Verb Tenses


Shopping and Bargaining


Indonesian Arts


Modal Verbs


Colors and Shapes


Comparative and Superlative


Indonesian Traditions


Emergencies


Indirect and Direct Speech


Jobs and Professions


Indonesian Holidays


Sources


Other Lessons



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