Irregular comparative adverbs (mieux)

Doing things "better" (mieux)

In English, the comparative form of "well" is "better". In French, the adverb bien (well) also has an irregular comparative form: mieux.

As an adverb, mieux is invariable and never changes form.

This hairdresser cuts better.
Ce coiffeur coupe mieux.
I prefer short hair, it is better.
Je préfère les cheveux courts, c'est mieux.

Where to place mieux

Like most short adverbs in French, mieux typically goes immediately after the conjugated verb.

You cut straight hair better now.
Tu coupes mieux les cheveux lisses maintenant.

Add beaucoup right before mieux for emphasis.

She dries curly hair much better.
Elle sèche beaucoup mieux les cheveux bouclés.

When a conjugated verb is followed by an infinitive, mieux goes between the two verbs.

She knows how to cut blond hair better.
Elle sait mieux couper les cheveux blonds.

The best (le mieux)

To say someone does something "the best", use the superlative form le mieux. Because it is an adverb, it always takes the masculine singular article le.

There is a blond client. Who cuts the best?
Il y a un client blond. Qui coupe le mieux ?
Then, you dry the fringe the best possible.
Ensuite, tu sèches la frange le mieux possible.

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