Intensifying with "Muito"
You already know how to make comparisons using mais (more) and menos (less). To intensify a comparison and emphasize that something is much more, simply place muito before the comparative structure.
| This cream hydrates much more than the other. | Este creme hidrata muito mais do que o outro. |
| The sunscreen is much more important in the summer. | O protetor solar é muito mais importante no verão. |
| That dark spot is much more dangerous than it seems. | Aquela mancha escura é muito mais perigosa do que parece. |
Taking it Further with "Ainda"
If you want to push a comparison further and express that something is even more (or less) extreme, use the word ainda before the comparative.
| The new cream is even more expensive, but it hydrates much better. | O creme novo é ainda mais caro, mas hidrata muito melhor. |
| This treatment is even more effective against wrinkles. | Este tratamento é ainda mais eficaz contra as rugas. |
The Conversational "Bem"
In everyday conversation, Portuguese speakers frequently use bem instead of muito to intensify a comparison. While bem usually means "well," in this context it translates to "much" or "way" (as in "way more"). It sounds very natural and can be used with both regular and irregular comparatives (like melhor, pior, maior, and menor).
| I apply the serum daily, because it is much more effective. | Eu aplico o sérum diariamente, porque é bem mais eficaz. |
| Acne is much worse when you are very nervous. | A acne é bem pior quando estás muito nervoso. |
| Applying the cream improves elasticity, and wrinkles get much smaller. | Aplicar o creme melhora a elasticidade, e as rugas ficam bem menores. |
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