Question 1

How exactly does the "as... as" comparison work in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

You use the structure tão + [adjective] + como. Here, tão means "as" (or "so") and como means "as" (or "like"). Put them together around the adjective pequeno, and you get tão pequeno como (as small as).

Question 2

Does the word pequeno need to match both animals?

Accepted Answer

No, it only needs to match the first noun, which is the subject of the sentence. Since o pássaro is masculine and singular, we use pequeno. If the first animal were feminine, like a spider (a aranha), the adjective would change to pequena, even if the second animal is still a masculine mouse.

Question 3

I remember como means "how". Why is it used here?

Accepted Answer

The word como is very flexible and has a few different meanings depending on the context. It means "how" when asking a question, but it also means "like" or "as" when making comparisons like this one.

Question 4

Why use é from the verb ser rather than a form of estar?

Accepted Answer

We use ser for permanent or inherent characteristics. Since being small is a natural, defining trait of this bird rather than a temporary state, é is the correct verb to use.

O pássaro é tão pequeno como o rato.

Breakdown of O pássaro é tão pequeno como o rato.

Questions & Answers about O pássaro é tão pequeno como o rato.

Learn O pássaro é tão pequeno como o rato and more in Portuguese