Understanding Comparative Constructions in Belarusian
Comparative constructions are used when we want to compare two things, like saying one thing is bigger, smaller, or more interesting than another. In Belarusian, there are special ways to do this using different words and endings.
Important Points
- Basic Comparisons: Use 'больш' (more) or 'менш' (less) with adjectives.
- Comparing with Adjectives: Add '-ей' or '-эй' to the adjective.
- Using 'чым': This word means 'than' and is used to compare two things.
To make a simple comparison, you can use the words 'больш' or 'менш' before an adjective. This is like saying 'more' or 'less' in English. For example, 'больш цікавы' means 'more interesting'.
Examples
- Гэтая кніга больш цікавая, чым тая.
- Мой дом менш вялікі, чым ваш.
- Яна больш разумная, чым я.
When you want to compare using adjectives directly, you can add '-ей' or '-эй' to the adjective. This changes the form of the adjective to show comparison.
Examples
- Гэтае дрэва вышэй, чым тое.
- Мая котка хутчэй, чым ваша.
- Гэты дом старэй, чым новы.
The word 'чым' is very important in Belarusian comparisons. It means 'than' and helps us show what we are comparing something to.