lebih baik ... daripada

Preference with Lebih Baik

Level 2

lebih baik (better) + [A] + daripada (than) + [B]

How It Works

The phrase lebih baik ... daripada is a comparative structure used to evaluate quality or desirability.

  • lebih: A kata penguat (intensifier) meaning 'more'.
  • baik: An adjective meaning 'good'. Together, lebih baik means 'better'.
  • daripada: The specific preposition used for comparisons (equivalent to 'than').

In formal Malay (Bahasa Melayu Baku), daripada is the strictly correct choice for comparisons. While you may hear dari in casual speech, daripada should always be used in writing or formal contexts.

This pattern is a specific application of the general lebih ... daripada comparative structure. In informal speech, you might hear lagi used as an intensifier (e.g., lagi baik), while in highly formal or journalistic contexts, berbanding (compared to) is often used as an alternative to daripada.

This pattern can also be inverted for emphasis: Daripada [B], lebih baik [A] (Rather than B, it is better to A). This is very common when giving advice or suggesting a better alternative.

Examples (4)

  1. Mencegah adalah lebih baik daripada mengubati.

    Prevention is better than cure.

    Word by Word: Preventing is more good than treating.

    A classic proverb using the pattern to compare two actions (verbs).

  2. Kesihatan itu lebih baik daripada kekayaan.

    Health is better than wealth.

    Word by Word: Health that more good than wealth.

    Here, the pattern compares two nouns (health and wealth).

  3. Daripada membazir, lebih baik kita simpan duit itu.

    Rather than wasting, it is better that we save that money.

    Word by Word: Than wasting, more good we save money that.

    This shows the inverted form used for emphasis, suggesting a better course of action.

  4. Bekerja sendiri lebih baik daripada bekerja dengan orang lain.

    Working for oneself is better than working for others.

    Word by Word: Work self more good than work with person other.

    This compares two different work situations (verb phrases).

Common Mistakes

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

    Ini lebih baik dari itu.
    Ini lebih baik daripada itu.

    In standard Malay, 'dari' is only for time, place, and direction. 'Daripada' must be used for comparisons.

  • Using 'lebih baik' to mean 'I prefer' (personal liking).

    Saya lebih baik epal daripada oren.
    Saya lebih suka epal daripada oren.

    'Lebih baik' refers to the quality of the object (it is better). To express your personal preference or liking, use 'lebih suka' (like more).

How It Connects

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lebih baik ... daripadaLevel 2Preference with Lebih Baik

Learn This First

To express preference using 'lebih baik ... daripada', learners must first understand the basic comparative structure in Malay. This pattern specifically uses the adjective 'baik' (good) within the standard 'lebih (adjective) daripada' framework to indicate that one thing is 'better than' another.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

lebihdaripada