lebih ... daripada

Comparative with Lebih

Level 2

The pattern lebih [Adjective/Verb] daripada [Noun] is the standard way to express superiority (e.g., 'taller than', 'more expensive than') in Malay.

How It Works

In standard Malay, the comparative degree is formed by placing the intensifier lebih before an adjective or a stative verb. The standard of comparison is introduced by the preposition daripada.

Key Rules:

  • No Morphological Change: The adjective itself never changes form. Laju (fast) becomes lebih laju (faster).
  • Formal vs. Informal: In formal writing (Bahasa Melayu Baku), daripada is mandatory. In casual speech, speakers often shorten it to dari, though this is technically incorrect in formal grammar.
  • Versatility: While most common with adjectives, it can also be used with verbs of preference (like suka) or with numbers to mean 'more than'.
  • Word Order: The structure typically follows: [Subject] + [lebih] + [Adjective] + [daripada] + [Object].

Examples (5)

  1. Kereta ini lebih laju daripada kereta itu.

    This car is faster than that car.

    Word by Word: Car this more fast than car that.

    A standard adjective comparison using 'laju' (fast).

  2. Saya lebih suka minum teh daripada kopi.

    I prefer drinking tea to coffee.

    Word by Word: I more like drink tea than coffee.

    Here, 'lebih' is used with the verb 'suka' (like) to express preference.

  3. Gunung itu lebih tinggi daripada awan.

    That mountain is higher than the clouds.

    Word by Word: Mountain that more high than cloud.

    A simple comparison of height using the adjective 'tinggi'.

  4. Dia mempunyai lebih daripada sepuluh buah buku.

    He has more than ten books.

    Word by Word: He has more than ten [classifier] book.

    Demonstrates 'lebih daripada' used with a numerical quantity.

  5. Rumah Ali lebih besar daripada rumah saya.

    Ali's house is bigger than my house.

    Word by Word: House Ali more big than house I.

    A comparison of size using 'besar' (big).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'dari' instead of 'daripada' in formal writing.

    Ali lebih tinggi dari Ahmad.
    Ali lebih tinggi daripada Ahmad.

    In formal Malay, 'dari' is only for direction, place, and time (ATM rule). 'Daripada' must be used for comparisons.

  • Omitting the preposition 'daripada' entirely.

    Buku ini lebih mahal itu.
    Buku ini lebih mahal daripada itu.

    You cannot simply place two nouns next to each other; you need 'daripada' to function as 'than'.

How It Connects

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lebih ... daripadaLevel 2Comparative with Lebih

Learn This First

To use 'lebih ... daripada', you first need to understand how adjectives function as predicates in Malay. You also need to be familiar with the preposition 'dari' (from), as 'daripada' is its comparative counterpart used to introduce the standard of comparison.

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Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

lebihdaripada