Comparatives with 'lebih' — Indonesian Grammar

To express that a quality is present to a greater degree, place the word before the adjective. This construction is consistent regardless of the length of the word. It replaces both the English suffix "-er" (as in "taller") and the word "more" (as in "more interesting").

Basic Structure

The pattern is simply followed immediately by the adjective. This is used when the comparison is implied or when stating a general increase in quality.

Dia lebih tinggi.
He is taller.
Harga itu lebih mahal.
That price is more expensive.
Kami perlu bilik yang lebih besar.
We need a bigger room.

Comparing Two Objects (Than)

When comparing one thing directly against another within the same sentence, use the preposition (than) after the adjective. The structure is: Subject + + Adjective + + Object.

Bulan ini lebih panas daripada bulan lalu.
This month is hotter than last month.
Kopi ini lebih sedap daripada teh itu.
This coffee is more delicious than that tea.

Expressing Preference

is frequently combined with the verb (to like) to express preference. Literally translating to "like more," this combination functions similarly to the English verb "prefer."

Saya lebih suka epal.
I prefer apples (I like apples more).
Mereka lebih suka tinggal di sini.
They prefer to live here.

The Opposite: Kurang

To express "less" instead of "more," replace with . It follows the exact same grammatical rules.

Filem itu kurang menarik.
That movie is less interesting.
Projek ini kurang penting.
This project is less important.

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Indonesian course

15 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 77. A few of them, with the words “Comparatives with 'lebih'” is about in bold:

Saya tidak terlambat. Saya lebih awal. Lalu lintas normal.
I (pol.) am not late. I (pol.) am early. Traffic was normal.
Lesson 279
Aku harap kamu lebih hemat.
I wish you were more frugal.
Lesson 328

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