kurang ... daripada

Lower Degree with Kurang

Level 2

The pattern kurang [adjective] daripada [noun] is the standard way to form the comparative of inferiority (less than) in Malay.

How It Works

In Malay grammar, kurang acts as a kata penguat hadapan (frontal intensifier) that precedes an adjective. When you want to compare two entities, you follow the adjective with daripada to introduce the standard of comparison.

Structure:
Subject + kurang + Adjective + daripada + Object.

Key Usage Notes:

  • Register: This pattern is common in formal writing, academic contexts, and legal documents.
  • Natural Alternatives: In casual conversation, native speakers often prefer using tidak se- (not as... as) to express the same idea. For example, 'Dia tidak sepandai kakaknya' is often more natural than 'Dia kurang pandai daripada kakaknya'.
  • Preposition Choice: Always use daripada for comparisons. Using 'dari' is a common colloquialism but is considered grammatically incorrect in formal Malaysian Malay.
  • Beyond Adjectives: While primarily used with adjectives, it can also be used with verbs of emotion (e.g., kurang berminat - less interested) or quantities (e.g., kurang daripada sepuluh - less than ten).

Examples (4)

  1. Kereta ini kurang laju daripada kereta abang saya.

    This car is less fast than my brother's car.

    Word by Word: Car this less fast than car brother my.

    A standard comparison of speed between two objects.

  2. Pemandu boleh dihukum penjara tidak kurang daripada tiga tahun.

    Drivers can be sentenced to not less than three years in prison.

    Word by Word: Driver can be-punished prison not less than three year.

    A formal/legal usage of the pattern to define a minimum duration.

  3. Strategi ini kurang berkesan daripada strategi yang lepas.

    This strategy is less effective than the previous strategy.

    Word by Word: Strategy this less effective than strategy that past.

    Using the pattern to compare abstract qualities like effectiveness.

  4. Dia kurang berminat daripada kawan-kawannya.

    He is less interested than his friends.

    Word by Word: He less interested than friends-his.

    Demonstrates the pattern used with a verb of state/emotion (berminat).

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'dari' instead of 'daripada' for comparison.

    Rumah ini kurang besar dari rumah itu.
    Rumah ini kurang besar daripada rumah itu.

    In formal Malay, 'dari' is strictly for place and time, while 'daripada' must be used for comparisons.

  • Placing 'kurang' after the adjective.

    Buku ini mahal kurang daripada buku itu.
    Buku ini kurang mahal daripada buku itu.

    Unlike the intensifier 'sekali', 'kurang' must always come before the adjective it modifies.

How It Connects

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

kurang ... daripadaLevel 2Lower Degree with Kurang

Learn This First

To use 'kurang ... daripada', you need to understand how Malay handles basic comparisons. Since it mirrors the structure of 'lebih ... daripada' (more than), familiarity with that pattern is the most direct prerequisite. Additionally, you must be comfortable with Malay's copula-less adjective predicates and the use of 'daripada' to introduce the standard of comparison.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

daripada