When you begin learning Irish, one of the most practical and fun grammar skills to master is creating comparison sentences in Irish. Whether you want to say “This book is better than that one” or “She is taller than her brother,” comparisons allow you to express opinions, describe differences, and add colour to your conversations.
At Gaeilgeoir AI, we believe that comparison sentences are a gateway to building confidence in Irish grammar. By learning how to use them correctly, you’ll not only communicate more naturally but also deepen your understanding of how Irish structures differ from English. In this guide, we’ll explore the rules, examples, and patterns behind comparison sentences in Irish—step by step.
What Are Comparison Sentences?
Comparison sentences highlight how one thing differs from another in terms of size, quality, or degree. In Irish, this involves using comparative forms of adjectives and sometimes specific grammar structures that are unique to the language.
For example:
- Tá an carr seo níos tapúla ná an ceann eile.
(This car is faster than the other one.)
Here, níos tapúla means “faster” and ná signals the comparison (“than”).
Key Elements of Comparison Sentences in Irish
To form accurate comparison sentences, you need three building blocks:
- The adjective – describes the quality (e.g., mór = big).
- The comparative form – shows comparison (e.g., níos mó = bigger).
- The word “ná” – introduces the second item (“than”).
Comparative Adjectives in Irish
Irish adjectives change when used in comparison. Let’s break it down:
Regular Comparatives
Most adjectives use the word níos before them to create the comparative form.
- mór (big) → níos mó (bigger)
- tapa (fast) → níos tapúla (faster)
Example:
- Tá an teach seo níos mó ná an teach eile.
(This house is bigger than the other house.)
Irregular Comparatives
Some adjectives have irregular forms, just like in English (“good” → “better”).
Examples:
- maith (good) → níos fearr (better)
- beag (small) → níos lú (smaller)
- olc (bad) → níos measa (worse)
Example:
- Tá an scannán seo níos fearr ná an ceann eile.
(This movie is better than the other one.)
Using “Ná” in Comparisons
The word ná is the key connector in comparison sentences in Irish. It translates as “than” in English.
Examples:
- Tá sí níos airde ná a deartháir.
(She is taller than her brother.) - Tá an lá níos fuaire ná inné.
(Today is colder than yesterday.)
Notice how simple the structure is once you know the rules:
Subject + tá + níos + adjective + ná + comparison.
Superlatives in Irish
In addition to comparisons, you’ll often want to say that something is the “biggest” or “best.” In Irish, this is done using the word is instead of níos.
Examples:
- Is fearr liom tae. (I prefer tea / Tea is best for me.)
- Is mó é an t-úll seo. (This apple is the biggest.)
Practical Examples of Comparison Sentences in Irish
Here are some everyday examples you can practice with:
- Tá an gheimhreadh níos fuaire ná an samhradh.
(Winter is colder than summer.) - Is fearr Gaeilge ná Béarla anseo.
(Irish is better than English here.) - Tá an traein níos tapúla ná an bus.
(The train is faster than the bus.) - Is lú an fhadhb ná mar cheap mé.
(The problem is smaller than I thought.)
Common Mistakes Learners Make
When working on comparison sentences in Irish, learners often make these mistakes:
- Forgetting “níos” or “is”: Saying mó instead of níos mó.
- Using “ná” incorrectly: Sometimes learners skip it or replace it with English “than.”
- Confusing comparatives with superlatives: Using is mó when níos mó is needed.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll sound much more natural in your Irish.
Learning Comparisons Through Practice
The best way to master comparison sentences is through active use. At Gaeilgeoir AI, our AI-powered tools let you practice by:
- Generating example sentences instantly.
- Getting corrections when your adjective form is off.
- Engaging in short comparison-based dialogues with an AI partner.
For a deeper foundation in Irish grammar, check out our Irish language lessons for beginners.
Why Comparison Sentences Matter in Irish
Mastering comparison sentences isn’t just about grammar—it’s about communication. With them, you can:
- Express personal preferences (e.g., Is fearr liom caife ná tae).
- Describe the world around you (e.g., Tá an spéir níos dorcha inniu).
- Engage in natural conversation with fluent speakers.
And since Irish is a language rich with description and nuance, comparisons help bring your speech to life.
Tips for Remembering Comparison Rules
- Practice with flashcards: Write “níos mó” on one side, “bigger” on the other.
- Make personal sentences: Use your own life (e.g., Tá mo chat níos cairdiúla ná mo mhadra).
- Use AI-powered practice: Get instant corrections and feedback with Gaeilgeoir AI’s tools.
- Listen and repeat: Pay attention to native speakers using comparatives.
Conclusion
Understanding how to build comparison sentences in Irish is a key step in achieving fluency. By mastering adjectives, níos, is, and ná, you’ll gain the tools to express your thoughts with confidence and clarity.
At Gaeilgeoir AI, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our AI-powered resources help you turn theory into practice with ease and encouragement.
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