Comparative & Superlative
Learn the af'al (أَفْعَل) pattern for forming comparatives ('bigger') and superlatives ('the biggest') in Arabic.
Forming the Comparative (اسْم التَّفْضِيل)
The comparative in Arabic is formed using the pattern أَفْعَل (af'al) for masculine. This pattern applies to most trilateral adjectives: kabīr (big) → أَكْبَر (akbar) = bigger jamīl (beautiful) → أَجْمَل (ajmal) = more beautiful saghīr (small) → أَصْغَر (asghar) = smaller The comparative is followed by مِنْ (min, than) for comparisons: أَكْبَرُ مِنْ = bigger than The feminine comparative form is فُعْلَى (fu'lā): كُبْرَى (kubrā, biggest/greater - f.).
2 more sections and 4 practice questions
"Comparative & Superlative" is one of 38 grammar lessons in Fahm Premium, each with worked examples and self-checking practice. The first 3 grammar lessons are free to try.
- Forming the Superlative
- Irregular and Special Cases
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Frequently asked questions
What is Comparative & Superlative in Arabic?
Learn the af'al (أَفْعَل) pattern for forming comparatives ('bigger') and superlatives ('the biggest') in Arabic.
How do you use Comparative & Superlative in Arabic?
The comparative in Arabic is formed using the pattern أَفْعَل (af'al) for masculine. This pattern applies to most trilateral adjectives:
What are common examples of Comparative & Superlative in Arabic?
Examples from this lesson include "Ahmadu akbaru min 'Aliyyin" (Ahmad is bigger/older than Ali), "al-qāhiratu akbaru min bayrūta" (Cairo is bigger than Beirut), "al-'arabiyyatu as'abu min al-injilīziyyati" (Arabic is harder than English) and "hādhā ajmalu min dhālika" (This is more beautiful than that).