kaysa
Than / Rather than
Kaysa is the Filipino equivalent of "than" or "rather than." It is used to compare two things or to express a preference for one action over another.
How It Works
The word kaysa functions as a conjunction that introduces the second part of a comparison. Here is how to use it correctly based on what you are comparing:
- With Objects/Places: Use kaysa sa.
Example: Mas malaki ang bahay na ito kaysa sa dati. (This house is bigger than the previous one.) - With People: Use kaysa kay (singular) or kaysa kina (plural).
Example: Mas matangkad si Ben kaysa kay Sam. (Ben is taller than Sam.) - With Personal Pronouns: Use the sa-form of pronouns (e.g., sa akin, sa iyo, sa kaniya).
Example: Mas mabilis siya kaysa sa akin. (He is faster than me.) - With Demonstratives: Follow it with the r- form of demonstrative pronouns (rito, riyan, roon).
Example: Mas gusto ko ito kaysa roon. (I like this more than that over there.) - With Verbs: Use kaysa directly before the verb to express "rather than."
Example: Mas gusto kong magbasa kaysa manood ng TV. (I prefer to read rather than watch TV.)
In casual conversation, you will often hear kesa. While extremely common, stick to kaysa in formal writing to become proficient in the language.
Examples (5)
- Mas matalino ang kuya ko kaysa sa akin.
My older brother is smarter than me.
Word by Word: More smart the older-brother my than at me.
Here, 'kaysa sa' compares the brother to the speaker ('akin').
- Mas pipiliin kong manatili sa bahay kaysa pumunta sa party.
I would rather choose to stay at home than go to the party.
Word by Word: More will-choose I-linker to-stay at house than to-go at party.
When comparing two actions (staying vs. going), 'kaysa' is used without an extra marker before the verb.
- Higit na mabilis tumakbo ang kuneho kaysa sa pagong.
The rabbit runs much faster than the turtle.
Word by Word: More linker fast to-run the rabbit than at turtle.
'Higit na' is a more formal alternative to 'mas', but 'kaysa sa' remains the standard way to introduce the turtle as the point of comparison.
- Mas mura ang mangga kaysa sa mansanas.
Mangoes are cheaper than apples.
Word by Word: More cheap the mango than at apple.
This shows a standard comparison of price between two objects using 'kaysa sa'.
- Mas masaya rito kaysa roon.
It is happier here than there.
Word by Word: More happy here than there.
When comparing locations using demonstratives, 'kaysa' combines with the 'r-form' (roon).
Common Mistakes
Using 'kaysa sa' for people instead of 'kaysa kay'.
Mas mabait siya kaysa sa Maria.Mas mabait siya kaysa kay Maria.Personal names require the personal oblique marker 'kay' instead of the general marker 'sa'.
Omitting 'mas' when making a comparison of degree.
Mabilis ito kaysa roon.Mas mabilis ito kaysa roon.While 'kaysa' means 'than', you still need 'mas' (more) before the adjective to complete the 'more... than' structure.
Using 'kesa' in formal writing.
Higit na mahalaga ang edukasyon kesa sa pera.Higit na mahalaga ang edukasyon kaysa sa pera.'Kesa' is a colloquial contraction. In academic or professional contexts, always use the standard 'kaysa'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'kaysa' (than) effectively, you first need to understand how to form basic comparisons using 'mas'. You also need to be familiar with the 'sa' marker and demonstrative pronouns like 'doon', as these frequently follow 'kaysa' to identify what something is being compared to.
- mas + AdjectiveComparative Degree
The word 'kaysa' is most commonly used in conjunction with 'mas' to form comparative sentences (e.g., 'mas mura kaysa...').
Level 1 - dito / diyan / doonHere There and Over There
Comparisons often involve demonstrative pronouns to indicate the standard of comparison (e.g., 'kaysa roon').
Level 1
Related Patterns
- saOblique Marker
'Kaysa' often requires the oblique marker 'sa' when comparing non-personal nouns.
Level 1 - kayOblique Personal Marker
'Kaysa' requires the personal marker 'kay' when the standard of comparison is a specific person's name.
Level 1 - imbes naInstead of
While 'kaysa' expresses preference or degree, 'imbes na' specifically means 'instead of' in the sense of replacement.
Level 4 - sing-/kasing- + AdjectiveEqual Comparison
This pattern is used for comparisons of equality (as... as), whereas 'kaysa' is used for inequality (more... than).
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice kaysa in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Filipino lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
