Understanding the Comparative Degree in Estonian
In Estonian, when we want to compare two things using adjectives, we use something called the Comparative Degree. This helps us show that one thing has more or less of a quality than another thing.
Important Points
- To make a comparative form of an adjective, you usually add '-m' or '-em' to the adjective.
- If the adjective ends with a vowel, you typically add '-m'.
- If the adjective ends with a consonant, you usually add '-em'.
- Some adjectives are irregular and change completely in the comparative form.
- Comparative adjectives are used when comparing two things or people.
Examples
- kõrge (tall) -> kõrgem (taller)
- ilus (beautiful) -> ilusam (more beautiful)
- hea (good) -> parem (better)
Let's look at some examples to understand better. If you have a tall tree and a taller tree, you would say 'kõrge puu' for the tall tree and 'kõrgem puu' for the taller tree. See how we added '-em' to 'kõrge' to make it 'kõrgem'?
Examples
- See maja on kõrgem kui teine maja. (This house is taller than the other house.)
- Tema auto on kiirem kui minu auto. (His car is faster than my car.)
- See on parem raamat kui see. (This is a better book than that one.)
By using these rules and examples, you can start comparing things in Estonian just like you do in English. Keep practicing and soon you'll become really good at it!