Ek slaap langer as hy.

I sleep longer than he.

Breakdown of Ek slaap langer as hy.

• ek: I
• hy: he
• slaap: to sleep
• as: than
• langer: longer

Questions & Answers about Ek slaap langer as hy.

What function does as serve in Ek slaap langer as hy?

In a comparative sentence, as corresponds to English than. It links the comparative (langer) with the reference (hy). In Afrikaans, you always use as for than, unlike Dutch, which uses dan.

Why is the pronoun hy used instead of hom?

Afrikaans distinguishes subject and object pronouns. hy is the subject form, while hom is the object form. After as in a comparative, the pronoun functions as the subject of the implied verb (slaap), so you use hy, not hom.

Can I repeat the verb and say Ek slaap langer as hy slaap, or is that wrong?

You can definitely repeat slaap for clarity or emphasis: Ek slaap langer as hy slaap. Omitting the second slaap (giving Ek slaap langer as hy) is common once the meaning is clear, but including it is perfectly acceptable.

How is the comparative langer formed from lang?

Short adjectives (one syllable) usually form comparatives by adding -er directly to the positive form, so lang becomes langer. The vowel length often stays the same. Longer or more complex adjectives often use meer instead (e.g., meer interessant).

When would I use meer instead of the -er form?

You use meer with adjectives of two syllables or more, or when the -er form is awkward or rarely used. For example, meer ingewikkeld (more complicated) instead of ingewikkelder.

What’s the difference between Ek slaap langer as hy and Ek slaap meer as hy?

langer compares the duration of a single sleep session (“for a longer time”), while meer compares overall quantity or frequency (“I sleep more often” or “I sleep more hours in total”).

How would I say I sleep as long as he does in Afrikaans?

Use so…as for equality. You say: Ek slaap so lank as hy. Here lank is the positive form and so marks the equality with as.

What is the word order in the comparative clause after as?

The clause that follows as uses normal subject–verb–object order. For example, as hy slaap (“than he sleeps”). If you omit the verb, you still keep the subject first: as hy.