mas + Adjective

Comparative

Level 2

mas + Adjective = more [adjective] / [adjective]-er

How It Works

In Cebuano, comparing two things is straightforward using the Spanish-derived particle mas. While native alternatives like labaw or labi (often used as labi pang) exist, mas is the most common choice in daily conversation.

1. Basic Structure
Simply place mas before the adjective. Unlike many other modifiers, it does not require a ligature (nga/-ng).

mas dako (bigger)
mas nindot (more beautiful)

2. Comparing Two Things
To say 'more than,' you typically use the conjunction kaysa. When comparing proper names, the standard form is kay kang or kaysa kang.

Mas paspas kini kaysa niana. (This is faster than that.)
Mas taas si Juan kay kang Pedro. (Juan is taller than Pedro.)

3. Adding Emphasis
Cebuano speakers often add the enclitic particle pa (still/more) after the adjective for extra emphasis. This creates a 'double' comparative effect that sounds very natural.

Mas maayo pa kini. (This is even better.)

4. Plural Adjectives
If you are describing multiple items, mas precedes the plural form of the adjective.

Mas dagko kini nga mga balay. (These houses are bigger.)

Examples (5)

Mas dako ang akong balay.
My house is bigger.
Word by Word: More big the my house.
Here, 'mas' modifies the adjective 'dako' (big) to mean 'bigger'.
Mas maayo ang imong plano kaysa nako.
Your plan is better than mine.
Word by Word: More good the your plan than mine.
This shows the full comparison using 'kaysa' to introduce the second item.
Mas barato pa kini.
This is even cheaper.
Word by Word: More cheap still this.
The particle 'pa' is added after the adjective 'barato' to emphasize the comparison.
Mas nindot ang Sugbo.
Cebu is more beautiful.
Word by Word: More beautiful the Cebu.
Used with a 'ma-' adjective (nindot) to show a higher degree of quality.
Mas dagko kini nga mga sapatos.
These shoes are bigger.
Word by Word: More big(plural) these ligature plural shoe.
When the noun is plural, 'mas' is used with the plural form of the adjective (dagko).

Common Mistakes

Using a ligature (nga/-ng) between 'mas' and the adjective.
mas nga dako
mas dako
Unlike words like 'kaayo' or 'pwerte', 'mas' does not need a linker to attach to the adjective.
Using 'mas' for the highest in a whole group.
Different MeaningSiya ang mas dako sa tanan.
Siya ang pinakadako sa tanan.
'Siya ang mas dako' is fine for 'the bigger one'. When you compare with everyone ('sa tanan'), 'pinaka-' says 'the most' clearly.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

mas + AdjectiveLevel 2Comparative

Learn This First

To use the comparative 'mas', you first need to understand how basic adjectives are formed (usually with the 'ma-' prefix) and how to construct simple sentences where the adjective acts as the predicate without needing a verb for 'to be'.