1.32: Comparatifs et Superlatifs

The comparative (le comparatif) allows us to compare two nouns. There are three types of comparison:

• moins … que less … than,
• aussi … que as … as
• plus … que more … than.

The adjective ending agrees with the gender and number of the noun it is describing.

☞ Jean est moins ambitieux que Pierre. Jean is less ambitious than Pierre

☞ La Mercedes est aussi belle que la Volvo. The Mercedes is as beautiful as the Volvo.

☞ L’avion est plus rapide que le train. The plane is faster than the train.

The superlative adjective

The superlative (le superlatif) compares one thing against a whole group and expresses the idea of

• le plus … the most or
• le moins … the least

We construct the superlative by using le/la/les plus + adjective or le/la/les moins + adjective. The adjective’s ending agrees with the noun it is describing.

☞ Vincent est le plus doué. Vincent is the most gifted.

☞ La Maserati est la voiture la plus rapide. The Maserati is the fastest car.

☞ Les Français sont les personnes les plus romantiques . The French are the most romantique individuals.

Irregular comparatives and superlatives in French

Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms.

Practice