tão + Adjective + quanto/como
Comparative of Equality
The pattern tão + [adjective] + quanto/como is used to compare two things that have the same level of a quality (e.g., 'as tall as', 'as fast as').
How It Works
To compare two things that are equal in some way, Portuguese uses a specific 'sandwich' structure:
1. Tão: This is an adverb meaning 'so' or 'as'. It never changes form.
2. Adjetivo: The quality you are comparing. It must agree with the subject (e.g., alta for a woman, altos for a group of men).
3. Quanto / Como: These are the connectors meaning 'as'.
- Quanto is very common in Brazil.
- Como is the standard choice in Portugal.
In negative sentences, like 'não é tão caro quanto...', it translates to 'not as expensive as', which is the most natural way to express inferiority in daily conversation.
Examples (4)
- A Maria é tão alta como a mãe.
Maria is as tall as her mother.
Word by Word: The Maria is so tall as the mother.
Notice that 'alta' is feminine to match 'Maria'. 'Como' is used here as the connector.
- Este carro é tão caro quanto aquele.
This car is as expensive as that one.
Word by Word: This car is so expensive as that.
In this example, 'quanto' is used. Both 'quanto' and 'como' are correct and mean the same thing.
- Os alunos são tão inteligentes quanto os professores.
The students are as intelligent as the teachers.
Word by Word: The students are so intelligent as the teachers.
The adjective 'inteligentes' is plural because it describes 'os alunos'.
- A minha casa não é tão grande como a sua.
My house is not as big as yours.
Word by Word: The my house not is so big as the yours.
Adding 'não' before the verb changes the comparison to 'not as... as'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'que' instead of 'quanto/como' for equality.
Ele é tão alto que eu.Ele é tão alto quanto eu.'Que' is used for 'more than' or 'less than'. For 'as... as', you must use 'quanto' or 'como'.
Using 'tanto' instead of 'tão' before an adjective.
Ela é tanto inteligente como você.Ela é tão inteligente como você.'Tanto' is used with nouns (quantity). Use 'tão' specifically with adjectives and adverbs.
Failing to make the adjective agree with the subject.
As meninas são tão alto quanto os meninos.As meninas são tão altas quanto os meninos.Even in a comparison, the adjective must match the gender and number of the noun it describes (meninas = altas).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To form comparisons of equality, you need to understand how adjectives agree with nouns and how to use the verb 'ser' to describe characteristics. Familiarity with the words 'quanto' and 'como' is also essential as they function as the second part of the comparison.
- ser + AdjectiveSer for Characteristics
Comparisons of equality typically use the verb 'ser' to link the subject to the characteristic being compared.
Level 1 - que/quem/onde/quando/como/quanto/por queQuestion Words
This pattern uses 'quanto' or 'como' as comparative particles, which are also used as question words.
Foundations
Related Patterns
- tanto/tanta/tantos/tantas + Noun + quantoEquality Comparison with Nouns
This is the equivalent pattern for comparing quantities of nouns (as much/many as) instead of qualities.
Level 2 - mais + Adjective + do queComparative of Superiority
The comparative of superiority (more... than), which is the opposite of equality.
Level 1 - menos + Adjective + do queComparative of Inferiority
The comparative of inferiority (less... than).
Level 1 - Adjective Agreement
Essential for ensuring the adjective in the 'tão... quanto' structure matches the subject correctly.
Foundations
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice tão + Adjective + quanto/como in Bubblegum
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