hơn

The basic comparison formula is: [Subject A] + [Adjective/Verb] + hơn + ([Subject B]). Note: [Subject B] can be dropped if the context is clear.

1. With Adjectives and Adverbs
Place hơn directly to the right of the describing word. Because Vietnamese adjectives work like verbs, you do not use the word là (to be).
• cao (tall) → cao hơn (taller)
• nhanh (fast) → nhanh hơn (faster)

2. With Verbs
For action verbs, you use an adverb of quantity or manner (like nhiều, nhanh, or giỏi) before hơn to express how the action is done. State or psychological verbs (like thích) can take hơn directly.
• ăn nhiều hơn (eat more)
• chạy nhanh hơn (run faster)
• Nó học giỏi hơn tôi. (He studies better than me.)
• thích hơn (like more)

3. With Numbers
Place hơn to the left of a number to mean 'more than' a certain amount.
• hơn hai năm (more than two years)
Note: If you flip the order (number + hơn), it changes the meaning to 'and a bit' (e.g., hai năm hơn = two years and a bit).

4. With Nouns
To say 'more [noun]' in a comparison, the structure splits to wrap around the noun: nhiều + [noun] + hơn. For 'less [noun]', use ít + [noun] + hơn.
• nhiều tiền hơn (more money)
Note: Do not confuse comparative hơn with thêm. Use hơn when comparing (e.g., 'I have more money than you'), but use thêm for additional amounts (e.g., 'I want more money').

5. Comparing Actions or Preferences
When comparing two actions, using hơn là is excellent for clarity, though hơn alone is fine for simple noun preferences (like Tôi thích trà hơn cà phê).
• Tôi thích đọc sách hơn là xem TV. (I like reading books more than watching TV.)

Important Nuances:

• Linking words for 'than': While hơn often bridges the comparison on its own, you can use so với (compared with) for clarity when comparing nouns, or hơn là when comparing actions.
• Word Order Matters: nhiều hơn means 'more in quantity' (used with verbs), while hơn nhiều means 'much [adjective]-er' (e.g., tốt hơn nhiều = much better). For nouns, remember it splits into nhiều + [noun] + hơn.
• Expressing 'Less Than': To say 'less [adjective]', use ít for a neutral degree or frequency (e.g., ít quan trọng hơn = less important), while kém is used for a deficiency in ability, quality, or positive traits (e.g., kém thông minh hơn = less intelligent). Alternatively, use the negative equality structure không bằng (not as... as).
• A Little More: Add một chút or một ít after hơn to mean 'a little more' (e.g., cao hơn một chút = a little taller).
• Pronouns: Pronouns do not change form when acting as Subject B (e.g., cao hơn tôi = taller than me).