mas ... kaysa

More than

Level 2

The pattern mas [adjective] kaysa [standard] is the most common way to say 'more [adjective] than' in modern Cebuano.

How It Works

In Cebuano, comparisons are made by placing the word mas directly before an adjective to indicate a higher degree. To introduce the object of comparison (the 'than' part), we use kaysa.

1. The Adjective and Particle: The adjective remains in its base form (e.g., dako becomes mas dako). In natural speech, the particle pa is often added after the adjective (e.g., mas dako pa) to mean 'even more'. If the subject is plural, you might use a plural adjective form like dagko, resulting in mas dagko pa.

2. The Marker after Kaysa: The word kaysa is a native contraction of kay and sa. In formal writing, it is often written as two words: kay sa. The word following it must use the correct oblique marker:

  • Use sa for general nouns: kaysa sa balay (than the house).
  • Use kay or kang for personal names: kaysa kay Juan (than Juan).
  • Use oblique pronouns for people: kaysa kanimo (than you).

3. Register: While mas ... kaysa is the standard way to compare in most contexts, formal or literary Cebuano may use the native word labaw (exceeding) to express the same idea.

Examples (4)

  1. Mas lami pa ang lechon kaysa manok.

    Lechon is tastier than chicken.

    Word by Word: More delicious still the lechon than chicken.

    Here, 'mas' modifies the adjective 'lami' (delicious), and 'pa' is added for natural emphasis. 'Kaysa' introduces the chicken as the standard of comparison.

  2. Mas taas pa si Maria kaysa kanimo.

    Maria is taller than you.

    Word by Word: More tall still [personal marker] Maria than [to you].

    When comparing to a person using a pronoun, the oblique form 'kanimo' (you) is used after 'kaysa'. The particle 'pa' makes the comparison sound more fluid.

  3. Mas barato pa kini kaysa sa pikas tindahan.

    This is cheaper than the other store.

    Word by Word: More cheap still this than at-the other store.

    The marker 'sa' is used after 'kaysa' because 'tindahan' (store) is a general noun. In formal writing, this might be written as 'kay sa sa pikas tindahan'.

  4. Mas dako pa ang akong balay kaysa sa imo.

    My house is bigger than yours.

    Word by Word: More big still the my house than at-the yours.

    This compares two possessions using the possessive pronoun 'imo'. The use of 'pa' reinforces that the house is 'even more' big.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong marker for a person's name after 'kaysa'.

    Mas dako si Pedro kaysa si Juan.
    Mas dako si Pedro kaysa kay Juan.

    After 'kaysa', you must use the oblique personal marker 'kay' or 'kang', not the focus marker 'si'.

  • Forgetting the linker 'nga' when using the native alternative 'labaw'.

    Labaw dako kini.
    Labaw nga dako kini.

    If you choose the formal native alternative 'labaw', you must use the ligature to connect it to the adjective.

How It Connects

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

mas ... kaysaLevel 2More than

Learn This First

To use 'mas ... kaysa', you need to understand how to form basic adjectives and how to use the 'mas' particle to indicate 'more'. You also need to be familiar with the 'ang' marker to identify the subject of the comparison.