Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Цей диван більш зручний, ніж той, що був раніше. - This sofa is more convenient than the one we had before.

The word більш means "more" and is used to form an analytic comparative. In Ukrainian, you can create comparatives either by adding a suffix to the adjective (as in зручніший) or by using більш before the adjective (as in більш зручний). In this sentence, більш intensifies зручний to show that the sofa is more comfortable compared to another.

What role does ніж play in the sentence?

Ніж functions as a comparative conjunction meaning "than". It links the two parts of the sentence, clearly marking the comparison between цей диван більш зручний (this sofa is more comfortable) and той, що був раніше (the one that was before).

How do the demonstrative pronouns цей and той differ in this sentence?

Цей translates to "this" and is used to refer to something that is close to or currently in focus, whereas той translates to "that" and usually points to something more distant—either physically, temporally, or contextually. Here, цей диван refers to the current sofa under discussion, and той introduces the previously existing or referenced sofa.

What is the purpose of the relative clause що був раніше?

The clause що був раніше is a relative clause that provides additional information about той. It translates to "that was before" or "previously" and specifies exactly which item is being compared. This extra detail helps the listener or reader understand that the comparison is between the new sofa and the one that existed earlier.

Why is there a comma before ніж in this sentence?

The comma is used to separate the main clause from the comparative clause that follows. In Ukrainian punctuation, placing a comma before ніж helps clarify the structure of the sentence by delineating the part being compared, making the sentence easier to read and understand.

Is there any nuance between using більш зручний and зручніший?

Both expressions mean "more comfortable", but they represent two different comparative forms. Зручніший is the synthetic comparative formed by adding a suffix to the adjective, which is common for many short adjectives. Більш зручний, on the other hand, is the analytic form and might be preferred for longer adjectives or in more formal contexts. The choice between them can depend on stylistic preference or specific language norms in Ukrainian.