Relative Superlatives
To say that something has the highest or lowest degree of a quality (like "the tallest" or "the least impressive"), Spanish uses the relative superlative.
Instead of an ending like "-est", use a definite article (el, la, los, las), the noun, más (most) or menos (least), and the adjective.
- el / la / los / las
- noun + más / menos
- adjective
- noun + más / menos
To specify the group or place, add the preposition de.
| This is the largest volcano in the world. | Este es el volcán más grande del mundo. |
Notice how de and el combine to form the contraction del. You will use this constantly when talking about extreme records in the world (el mundo) or a group (el grupo).
| What country has the longest river on the continent? | ¿Qué país tiene el río más largo del continente? |
The Least...
Use the exact same structure with menos to mean "the least." Make sure the article and adjective agree with the gender and number of the noun.
| This cave is the least deep of the group. | Esta cueva es la menos profunda del grupo. |
Dropping the Noun
If the noun is already the subject of your sentence, you do not need to repeat it in the superlative phrase. Just use the article followed by más or menos and the adjective.
| This waterfall is the highest in the world. | Esta cascada es la más alta del mundo. |
| The old bridge is the least impressive in the city. | El puente viejo es el menos impresionante de la ciudad. |