Comparative adjectives in French show how one thing differs from another in quality, quantity, or manner. This guide covers the main structures and common vocabulary.
Basic Comparisons
French uses plus, moins and aussi with an adjective to compare two things. The pattern is: noun 1 + comparative word + adjective + que + noun 2.
| French Expression | English Expression | |
|---|---|---|
| plus grand que | bigger than | |
| moins rapide que | less fast than | |
| aussi intelligent que | as clever as |
This car is faster than mine.
Comparisons with Adverbs
When comparing actions, you use plus, moins or aussi plus an adverb, followed by que. This highlights differences in how something is done.
| French Expression | English Expression | |
|---|---|---|
| plus vite que | faster than | |
| moins bien que | less well than | |
| aussi lentement que | as slowly as |
Comparisons of Quantity
To compare amount, use plus de, moins de or autant de followed by a noun, then que. This lets you compare measurable quantities.
| French Expression | English Expression | |
|---|---|---|
| plus de pommes que | more apples than | |
| moins de temps que | less time than | |
| autant de livres que | as many books as |
Comparative Adjectives
Some adjectives have special comparative forms, while others use the standard plus/moins/aussi structure. Learn the common irregulars to sound more natural.
Superlative Comparisons
The superlative shows the extreme degree within a group, using le/la/les plus or moins plus an adjective. It often follows the noun or comes before it.
| French Expression | English Expression | |
|---|---|---|
| le plus intelligent | the most intelligent | |
| la moins chère | the least expensive | |
| les plus rapides | the fastest | |
| la plus grande | the biggest |
Expressions with que
The word que introduces the second element in a comparison. Make sure to use it after the adjective, adverb or quantity phrase to keep the sentence clear and grammatically correct.
| French Expression | English Expression | |
|---|---|---|
| plus grand que | bigger than | |
| plus vite que | faster than | |
| plus de temps que | more time than | |
| aussi intelligent que | as clever as |
Summary
Use plus, moins and aussi with adjectives, adverbs or quantity expressions to compare two things, and remember small differences like gender and number agreement. Learn a few irregular comparatives to sound natural. Practice with real examples to make the patterns second nature.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025