Superlativos

What is the superlative?

The superlative is a linguistic tool used to express qualities at a very high or very low level. It is essential when we want to intensify our speech, for example, when talking about sensational travel experiences. To be fluent in Portuguese, it is crucial to understand how to use them correctly.

How many types of superlatives are there?

In Portuguese, there are two main types of superlatives:

• Relative superlative: Used to compare two items. For example, "Big Brother Brazil is 'the' 'coolest' show on Brazilian television" establishes a relationship of superiority between a specific show and the rest of Brazilian television.

• Absolute superlative: It does not require an explicit comparison between elements. It uses suffixes to intensify the adjective, for example, "lindísimo" from "lindo".

How is a relative superlative constructed?

To construct a relative superlative of superiority or inferiority, some basic structures must be followed:

1. Superlative of superiority:

   • Definite article + "more" + adjective + "of" (or contractions such as "do", "da", "dos", "das").
   • Example: "The restaurant has 'the' 'tastiest' food in 'the' neighborhood."

2. Superlative of inferiority:

   • Definite article + "less" + adjective + "de" (or contractions).
   • Example: "It is 'the' 'least expensive in' the neighborhood".

What happens with irregular adjectives?

In the case of irregular adjectives, we do not use "more" or "less". Instead, we opt for preset forms:

• "Good" becomes "the best of."
• "Bad" becomes "the worst of."
• "Great" into "the greatest of"
• "Small" into "the least of".

For example, "The Maracana was 'the largest stadium in' the world."

How is the superlative absolute formed?

The superlative absolute is achieved by adding suffixes to the original adjective, which intensifies its meaning without requiring additional comparisons:

What are the most common suffixes?

1. "-íssimo" or "-íssima": These are added to adjectives ending in a vowel.

   • Example: "Lindo" becomes "lindísimo", "Alto" becomes "altísimo".

2. "-bilíssimo" or "-bilíssima": For adjectives ending in "-vel".

   • Example: "Confortável" becomes "confortabilíssimo".

3. "-císsimo": For adjectives ending in "Z".

   • Example: "Feliz" becomes "felicíssimo".

Are there special forms?

Yes, certain adjectives adopt special forms that are not achieved by regular suffixes:

• "Optimal" for "good".
• "Pésimo" for "bad".
• "Minimal" for "small"
• "Maximum" for "great".

Unique cases such as "Paupérrimo" for "poor" also exist, further intensifying the quality as in phrases such as "Estoy 'macérrimo'".

Practical examples of usage

Finally, let's see how this knowledge translates into practice with everyday examples:

• "Studying at Platzi is hilarious."
• "Leaving Rio de Janeiro is tristísimo".
• "Cariocas are usually hilarious".
• "The São Paulo subway is very comfortable".

By applying these principles, your ability to communicate superlative expressions in Portuguese will rise significantly. Practice every day and you will see how mastering this aspect will enrich your interactions in the language. Keep learning and don't stop, fluency is within your reach!