Making Comparisons with Od
An alternative to niż for comparing things is the preposition od (literally "from"). It is very common in spoken Polish.
Unlike niż, which keeps both items in the same case, od requires the following noun or pronoun to be in the Genitive case.
For example, to say "than you", use the Genitive form of ty (ciebie):
| I think that he is stronger than you. | Myślę, że on jest silniejszy od ciebie. |
| My sister is more hardworking than you. | Moja siostra jest bardziej pracowita od ciebie. |
Comparing Nouns
Nouns following od must take the Genitive case. For example, pies (dog) becomes psa, and mleko (milk) becomes mleka:
| It is true, because a cat is lazier than a dog. | To prawda, bo kot jest bardziej leniwy od psa. |
| This juice is much sweeter than milk. | Ten sok jest znacznie słodszy od mleka. |
Intensifying Comparisons
To emphasize a comparison, use adverbs like zdecydowanie (definitely) or znacznie (significantly, much) before the comparative adjective:
| Water is definitely healthier than beer. | Woda jest zdecydowanie zdrowsza od piwa. |
| This backpack was much lighter than the suitcase yesterday! | Ten plecak był wczoraj znacznie lżejszy od walizki! |
Pronouns and Modifiers
Any adjectives or possessive pronouns attached to the word after od must also be in the Genitive case.
| My dinner was lighter and healthier than yours. | Moja kolacja była lżejsza i zdrowsza od twojej. |
| We are much more hardworking than them. | Jesteśmy znacznie bardziej pracowici od nich. |
Irregular Comparatives
Irregular comparative adjectives like lepszy (better) or gorszy (worse) follow the exact same rule:
| I think that this movie was definitely better than the book. | Myślę, że ten film był zdecydowanie lepszy od książki. |
| This project is significantly worse than the old one. | Ten projekt jest znacznie gorszy od starego. |
