Language/Basque/Grammar/Comparatives-and-Superlatives

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◀️ Descriptive Adjectives — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Adverbs ▶️

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Basque → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Adjectives and Adverbs → Comparatives and Superlatives

Introduction

Comparatives and superlatives are used in Basque to compare and describe things. In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use comparatives and superlatives in Basque.

Comparatives

In Basque, the formation of comparatives depends on the length of the adjective. Short adjectives (azpisasiak) and long adjectives (gorabeherek) are compared differently.

Short Adjectives

Short adjectives (azpisasiak) are adjectives with two or more syllables. To form the comparative of a short adjective, you must add the suffix -ago (or -agu) to the adjective. The suffix agrees with the gender and number of the noun the adjective modifies.

Basque Pronunciation English
Handi [h̪an̪di̯ (short adjectives end in –i)] Large
Handiagoa [h̪an̪di̯ago̞a] Larger
Handiagoak [h̪an̪di̯ago̞ak] Larger (plural)

Long Adjectives

Long adjectives (gorabeherek) are adjectives with one syllable. To form the comparative of a long adjective, you must repeat the adjective and add the suffix -ago (or -agu) to the repeated adjective. The suffix agrees with the gender and number of the noun the adjective modifies.

Basque Pronunciation English
Txiki [tʃiki] Small
Txikitxagoa [tʃikitʃago̞a] Smaller
Txikitxagoak [tʃikitʃago̞ak] Smaller (plural)

Superlatives

To form the superlative in Basque, you need to use the definite article with the comparative form of the adjective.

Basque Pronunciation English
Txikiagoa [tʃikíago̞a] Smaller
Handiagoa [h̪andíago̞a] Larger
Handiagoaena [h̪andíago̞aen̪a] The largest

Other Forms of Comparison

Other forms of comparison in Basque include:

  • Comparatives of adverbs: add the suffix -eago (or -egu) to the adverb.
  • Comparatives of nouns: use the adjectives handiagoa or txikiagoa to compare nouns.
  • Comparatives with the conjunction edo: A edo Bekoa da handiagoa (A or B is larger).

Irregular Forms of Comparison

Irregular forms of comparison include:

  • Guztiak (all) has the comparative form denak baino (more than all).
  • Hobe (better) and gehiago (more) are used as comparatives of beharrak (needs) and bolumenak (volumes) respectively.
  • Leku (place) has no comparative form, so it is always followed by baino to express comparison.
  • Some adjectives form the comparative and superlative with the particles bide or modura, such as deigarria (practical): Deigarria bideragoa (more practical).

Conclusion

In this lesson, you have learned how to form and use comparatives and superlatives in Basque. Keep practicing and using these forms to describe and compare the things around you!



Table of Contents - Basque Course - 0 to A1


Introduction to Basque Language


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Articles


Numbers and Counting


Pronouns and Verb Conjugation


Days, Months, and Seasons


Questions and Negation


Family and Relationships


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Dining


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Travel and Transportation


Basque Culture and Traditions


Other Lessons


Sources

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