Komparatiivista

Komparatiivista refers to the comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs in Finnish grammar, used to compare two or more entities in terms of a property. In Finnish, the komparatiivi is one of the three degrees of comparison, the others being the positive (base form) and the superlative.

Formation and features: For most adjectives, the comparative is formed by adding the suffix -mpi to the stem, with some stem changes or consonant adjustments as part of normal Finnish phonology. The result often reflects basic vowel harmony and may involve small stem modifications, especially when the stem ends in certain consonants. There are irregular forms as well, the best-known being hyvän, which becomes parempi rather than hyvempi, and huono, which becomes huonompi. Common, regular examples include iso → isompi, pieni → pienempi, nopea → nopeampi, vanha → vanhempi, korkea → korkeampi, pitkä → pidempi, nuori → nuorempi, suuri → suurempi, helppo → helpompi.

Usage: The komparatiivi is used when two elements are compared, typically with the word kuin (than) or in comparative clauses. It is also employed in phrases describing gradual differences, such as suurempi osa (a larger part) or nopeampi ratkaisu (a faster solution). With longer or more complex adjectives, the same -mpi ending is used, sometimes with additional internal vowel adjustments, as in mielenkiintoinen → mielenkiintoisempi (more interesting).

Relation to other degrees: The komparatiivi sits between the positive form and the superlatiivi (the superlative). Finnish also forms adverbial comparatives, often by modifying the base adverb with analogous suffixes or using corresponding adverbs, depending on the word family.

See also: Finnish grammar, superlatiivi, adjektiivien taivutus.