This French A2 lesson explains comparatives in French step by step, with examples in French and English. Then practise with the worksheet on comparatives in French and check yourself with the quiz.
Quick answer: To compare products in French, put plus, moins or aussi before an adjective and que after it: plus cher que, moins rapide que, aussi solide que. The comparative of bon is meilleur; that of bien is mieux. Add le or la to say “the best” or “the cheapest”.
Level: French A2 (CEFR elementary) · Standards: CEFR A2, Reading
Comparatives in French: the lesson
How do you compare two things in French?
When you shop, you constantly weigh one product against another. French uses three small words before the adjective, then que (than, as).
Rule: plus / moins / aussi + adjective + que
plus … que = more … than; moins … que = less … than; aussi … que = as … as. The adjective agrees with the first noun, not with the second.
| Meaning | French example |
|---|---|
| more … than | Ce casque est plus cher que l’autre. — This headset is more expensive than the other one. |
| less … than | Cette box est moins rapide que la mienne. — This router is slower than mine. |
| as … as | Ces chaussures sont aussi solides que les bleues. — These shoes are as sturdy as the blue ones. |
Rule: more, less or the same amount of a noun
For a noun, use plus de, moins de or autant de: Ce magasin propose plus de choix. — This store offers more choice.
What is the difference between meilleur and mieux?
| Word | Comes from | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| meilleur(e)(s) | bon (adjective) | describes a noun, agrees with it | Cette offre est meilleure. — This deal is better. |
| mieux | bien (adverb) | goes with a verb, never changes | Ce filtre marche mieux. — This filter works better. |
Watch out
Never say plus bon: the comparative of bon is meilleur. Also, bien becomes mieux, not plus bien. But moins bon is correct: Ce café est moins bon.
How do you read prices and online reviews?
| French | English |
|---|---|
| le prix, cher, bon marché | price, expensive, cheap |
| un avis, une note | a review, a rating |
| le rapport qualité-prix | value for money |
| la livraison gratuite | free delivery |
| la garantie, être remboursé | the warranty, to get a refund |
Examples: the best and the least
- C’est le moins cher des trois. — It is the cheapest of the three.
- C’est le meilleur rapport qualité-prix. — It is the best value for money.
Culture note
In France, prices are written with a comma and the euro sign after the number: 12,50 €. Spoken, it is douze euros cinquante. Online shops must show the final price with VAT, called TTC.
Zoé’s tip
Before you buy, look for the words mieux que, moins… que and le meilleur in the reviews: those are the comparisons real customers make!
Key points to remember
- Plus / moins / aussi + adjective + que compares two items; the adjective agrees with the first noun.
- Bon becomes meilleur (adjective); bien becomes mieux (adverb). Never say plus bon.
- For nouns, use plus de, moins de or autant de: plus de choix.
- The superlative adds an article: le moins cher, la meilleure offre.
- Prices are written with a comma and € after the number: 12,50 €.
Weighing Up Prices, Quality and Customer Reviews: frequently asked questions
How do you say “cheaper than” in French?
Say moins cher que for “cheaper than”. French has no single word for it, so you build it with moins + adjective + que: Cette marque est moins chère que l’autre. Add the right ending to the adjective.
What is the difference between meilleur and mieux?
Meilleur is an adjective, so it describes a noun and agrees with it: une meilleure offre. Mieux is an adverb that goes with a verb and never changes: Il chante mieux.
Can I say plus bon in French?
No. Use meilleur instead: Ce pain est meilleur. You can say moins bon and aussi bon without any problem.
How do I say “the cheapest” or “the most expensive”?
Put le, la or les before plus or moins: le moins cher, la plus chère. The article agrees with the noun you describe.
How are prices read aloud in French?
The comma is read as the word for euros: 12,50 € is douze euros cinquante. A price of 1 200 € is mille deux cents euros.