In English, we have two ways to form comparatives: adding "-er" to the end of short words (taller) or putting "more" in front of longer words (more crowded). In Romanian, it is much simpler: you just put the word mai (more) in front of the adjective.
To compare two things, you link them with the word decât (than).
The basic formula is: mai + adjective + decât
| The capital is more crowded than this city. | Capitala este mai aglomerată decât acest oraș. |
| That village is smaller than the capital. | Acel sat este mai mic decât capitala. |
Adjective Agreement
Even when you are using mai, the adjective itself still needs to agree in gender and number with the first noun in the comparison (the one you are describing).
| This road is shorter than that street. | Acest drum este mai scurt decât acea stradă. |
| This dress is shorter than the brown dress. | Această rochie este mai scurtă decât rochia maro. |
| The lake is deeper than the river. | Lacul este mai adânc decât râul. |
Saying "Much More"
If you want to emphasize that there is a large difference between the two things you are comparing, simply place mult (much) in front of mai.
| Our village is much cleaner than the city. | Satul nostru este mult mai curat decât orașul. |
| The sea is much deeper than this lake. | Marea este mult mai adâncă decât acest lac. |
Everyday Comparisons
You will use this exact same structure to compare distances, geographical features, and even people. It also works perfectly when asking questions.
| The city's population is larger than the village's population. | Populația orașului este mai mare decât populația satului. |
| Are you taller than your brother? | Ești mai înalt decât fratele tău? |
