lebih ... daripada
Comparative with Lebih
The pattern lebih [adjective] daripada [noun] is the standard way to say 'more [adjective] than [noun]' in Indonesian.
How It Works
In this standard comparative construction, add lebih before the adjective. The adjective may already be derived, as in lebih berbahaya. Colloquial adjective forms such as bagusan belong to a separate pattern.
The structure is:
[Subject] + lebih + [Adjective] + daripada + [Object]
Key points to remember:
- Register: Daripada is the formal, standard form used in writing and formal speech. The form dari also occurs as a comparison marker, especially in conversation.
- Preference: When used with verbs like suka (to like), this pattern expresses preference ('I like X more than Y').
- No Added Comparative Inflection: Use the existing adjective after lebih; do not invent an English-style comparative ending. This does not prohibit derived adjectives or other constructions with nominalizing -nya.
- Word Order: The word lebih must come before the adjective, and daripada must come before the second noun.
Examples (4)
- Gunung Semeru lebih tinggi daripada Gunung Bromo.
Mount Semeru is taller than Mount Bromo.
Word by Word: Mountain Semeru more tall than Mountain Bromo.
This is a standard comparison of height using the adjective 'tinggi' (tall/high).
- Kesehatan lebih berharga daripada kekayaan.
Health is more valuable than wealth.
Word by Word: Health more valuable than wealth.
This shows the pattern used with abstract concepts in a formal context.
- Saya lebih suka kopi daripada teh.
I like coffee more than tea.
Word by Word: I more like coffee than tea.
When used with 'suka', this pattern expresses a preference between two items.
- Mobil ini lebih cepat daripada mobil itu.
This car is faster than that car.
Word by Word: Car this more fast than car that.
A simple comparison of speed using 'cepat' (fast).
Common Mistakes
Using 'daripada' to indicate physical origin or source.
Saya datang daripada Jakarta.Saya datang dari Jakarta.For ordinary physical origin in modern standard Indonesian, use dari Jakarta. Daripada is the comparison marker taught here, not the model for coming from a place.
Using 'lebih' with the superlative prefix 'ter-'.
Gedung ini lebih tertinggi.Gedung ini tertinggi. / Gedung ini lebih tinggi.Here tertinggi is already superlative, so use either lebih tinggi for a comparison or tertinggi for the highest in a relevant set. This restriction concerns superlative ter-; lexical forms such as lebih terkenal are valid.
Writing 'daripada' as two separate words.
Dia lebih pintar dari pada saya.Dia lebih pintar daripada saya.In modern Indonesian orthography, 'daripada' must be written as a single word without a space.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the comparative 'lebih ... daripada', learners first need to know how adjectives function as predicates in Indonesian without a copula. They should also be familiar with how degree adverbs modify adjectives and understand the basic preposition 'dari', which forms the basis of the comparison marker 'daripada'.
- dariSource with Dari
The word 'daripada' is a compound form of the preposition 'dari'. Understanding 'dari' as a marker of source or origin provides the conceptual basis for 'daripada' as a marker of the comparison standard.
Level 1 - sangat + AdjectiveHigh Degree with Sangat
Understanding how degree adverbs like 'sangat' modify adjectives is a direct functional prerequisite for using 'lebih' to modify adjectives in a comparative sense.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- kurang ... daripadaLower Degree with Kurang
This is the opposite of 'lebih ... daripada', meaning 'less ... than'.
Level 2 - paling + AdjectiveSuperlative with Paling
Lebih compares a degree with a standard, which can be an individual or a group. Paling identifies the highest degree in a relevant comparison set.
Level 2 - se-As ... as with Se-
Used to say two things are 'as [adjective] as' each other, rather than one being 'more' than the other.
Level 3 - daripadaComparison Standard with Daripada
Focuses specifically on the use of 'daripada' as the standard marker for comparison.
Level 2 - lebih baik ... daripadaPreference with Lebih Baik
A specific construction meaning 'it is better to... than...', often used for advice or strong preference.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice lebih ... daripada in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Indonesian lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
