To say more [+ adjective/noun] than, or less/fewer [+ adjective/noun] than, we use más...que or menos...que if the thing we are comparing is a noun or an adjective.
Más...que/ menos...que with nouns
Notice on the examples above that más/menos...que doesn't change when comparing singular/plural or masculine/feminine nouns. It remains the same. Whereas in English less is used for singular and uncountable nouns and fewer is used for plural and countable nouns.
Más...que/menos...que with adjectives
El viaje en avión es menos cómodo que el viaje en tren.Travelling by plane is less comfortable than travelling by train.
Pay special attention to comparisons with adjectives as the adjective always agrees in number and gender with the noun it refers to, unlike in English. For example:
Las chicas son más rápidas que los chicos.
The girls are faster than the boys.
Los chicos son más rápidos que las chicas.
The boys are faster than the girls.
See also Comparativo
Bear in mind that when it's obvious, we sometimes omit the second part of the comparative "que...". For example:
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 Braimap today »
Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
El viaje en avión es menos cómodo que el viaje en tren.Travelling by plane is less comfortable than travelling by train.
Nosotros metimos en la maleta menos regalos que Jorge.We put fewer presents in the suitcase than Jorge.
Esas pinturas eran menos valiosas que las esculturas.Those paintings were worth less than the sculptures.
Hemos recibido muchos regalos pero yo tengo menos cosas [que tú].We've received lots of presents but I have fewer things [than you].
Me gustan la falda y el vestido, pero la falda es más colorida [que el vestido].I like the skirt and the dress, but the skirt is more colourful [than the dress].
