Más que/Menos que vs Más de/Menos de (More/Less than)

Learn about More/Less in Spanish

In Spanish there are two ways to say "More/less than":

1. Using DE

Más de = More than

Menos de = Less/Fewer than

These forms will be used when we talk about quantities.

Have a look and listen to the following examples:

Tengo más de diez caramelos en mi bolso.I have more than ten sweets in my handbag.

He tardado menos de una hora en llegar.It took me less than one hour to get here.

Note that más de and menos de are followed by a number.

2. Using QUE

Más que = More than

Menos que = Less/Fewer than

These forms will be used when we talk about comparisons.

Have a look and listen to the following examples:

Hoy he comido más que ayer.Today I ate more than yesterday.

Elisa fuma menos que tú.Elisa smokes less than you.

See also Using más/menos for more/less/fewer in Spanish (as adjectives, pronouns and adverbs)

 

Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »

Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics

Examples and resources

He tardado menos de una hora en llegar.It took me less than one hour to get here.
Tengo más de diez caramelos en mi bolso.I have more than ten sweets in my handbag.
Elisa fuma menos que tú.Elisa smokes less than you.
Hoy he comido más que ayer.Today I ate more than yesterday.
Thinking...