How to Compare Things Italian

Genevieve from Perth, Australia, asks how to say “than” in italian as in “Sam is taller than Joe” or “He is more handsome than (he is) smart“?

When making comparisons in Italian, the second term of comparison can be introduced by either on these two words:

  • DI  (is used when comparing two different items based on the same quality)
  • CHE (is used when comparing two qualities of the same item)

▷  SOME EXAMPLES

STEFANO È PIÙ BELLO CHE INTELLIGENTE
Stefano is more handsome than intelligent

L'ITALIA È PIÙ TURISTICA CHE TECNOLOGICA
Italy is more touristy than technological

MARTA PARLA PIÙ FRANCESE CHE TEDESCO
Marta speaks more French than German

MARTA PARLA MENO FRANCESE CHE TEDESCO
Marta speaks less French than German

In the above examples, we are comparing two qualities (looks and brains, touristy vs technological, the speaking of french and german) of the same item (Stefano, Italy, and Marta)