Adjectives and comparative forms

Comparatives are formed from the base form of the adjective (the form you find in the dictionary) by adding one of three endings to the masculine singular: –j(i), –ij(i), or –š(i). Remember that comparatives, just like regular adjectives, have all three genders (masculine, feminine, neuter) and can appear in both singular and plural forms. In the explanations below, we will show only the masculine singular forms for simplicity.

☰ The ending –(j)i

This ending is used for one syllable adjective with a long vowel and for some two syllable adjectives ending in –ak, –ek, or –ok. See examples below. By adding this ending a specific sound change occurs that changes the word.

One syllable adjectives with a long vowel

Some two syllable adjectives ending in –ak, –ek, –ok

☰ The ending –iji

Most Croatian adjectives form comparative by adding this ending. This ending is used for one syllable adjectives with a short vowel and for some two and all three and more syllable adjectives. See examples below.

One syllable adjectives with a short vowel:

Some two and all three and more syllable adjectives:

☰ The ending –ši

There are only three adjectives that form comparatives with this ending. Take them as is.

• mek – mekši [soft]
• lak – lakši [light]
• lijep – ljepši [beautiful]

👉 Irregular comparative

There are only four adjectives that are irregular in their comparative form. Take them as is.

• dobar – bolji
• zao – gori
• velik – veći
• malen – manji

❓ How to use the comparative forms?

Comparison may be expressed in two ways. See the two options below.

👨‍💻 Practice

What did we learn…

2.1 Zadatak: Usporedba

Each sentence begins with an adjective in its basic form (positive). Complete the second part of the sentence by using the comparative form of the same adjective. Be careful to match the gender and number (singular or plural) with the noun it describes.

2.1 Zadatak 2: O svakodnevnim stvarima

Choose an adjective from the list. Put it in the comparative form and complete the sentence. Be careful to match the gender and number (singular or plural) with the noun it describes.

• miran, užurban, čist, glasan, moderan, jeftin, skup, star, mlad, brz

2.1 Zadatak 3: Mišljenje

Look at the adjective in English. Translate it into Croatian, use the comparative form, and complete the sentence. Be careful to match the gender and number (singular or plural) with the noun it describes.

• small, big, beautiful, cheap, expensive, healthy, fast, old, new, strong