Vietnamese Grammar Bank

ADVANCED ADJECTIVE COMPARISONS IN VIETNAMESE

In this lesson, we explore advanced adjective comparisons in Vietnamese, going beyond basic structures like “hơn” and “nhất”.

You’ll learn how to express subtle differences, similarities, and intensities using more nuanced vocabulary and sentence patterns.

CHẲNG KÉM GÌ = NO LESS THAN / JUST AS…AS…

This structure is used to express equality or to indicate that something is as good or impressive as another thing. It’s often used to show that two things are on the same level.

PATTERN

Subject 1 + adjective + chẳng kém gì + Subject 2

For example: 

Anh ấy thông minh chẳng kém gì tôiHe is no less intelligent than me.
Cô ấy xinh đẹp chẳng kém gì diễn viênShe is no less beautiful than an actress.
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Tôi giỏi chẳng kém gì thiên tàiI am no less talented than a genius.
Ông ấy giàu chẳng kém gì tỷ phú He is no less wealthy than a billionaire.
Chị ấy đau khổ chẳng kém gì anh She is no less miserable than you.
Chúng tôi khoẻ mạnh chẳng kém gì con trâuWe are no less strong than buffalo.

CÒN HƠN CẢ= MORE THAN

This structure emphasizes that something exceeds expectations or surpasses the comparison in some way, often indicating a degree that goes beyond what was expected.

PATTERN

Subject 1 + adjective + còn hơn cả + Subject 2

For example: 

Anh ấy thông minh còn hơn cả tôiHe is even smarter than me
Cô ấy xinh đẹp còn hơn cả diễn viênShe is even more beautiful than an actress
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Tôi giỏi còn hơn cả thiên tàiI am even more talented than a genius
Ông ấy giàu còn hơn cả tỷ phú He is even richer than a billionaire
Chị ấy đau khổ còn hơn cả anh She is even more miserable than you
Chúng tôi khoẻ mạnh còn hơn cả con trâuWe are even stronger than a buffalo

VỪA…VỪA…(GIỐNG) NHƯ…./ BOTH…AND…JUST LIKE…

This structure is used to describe something or someone that possesses two qualities at the same time, and then compares them to something else. This pattern emphasizes the simultaneous existence of two characteristics while making a simile.

PATTERN

Subject 1 + vừa + adjective 1 + vừa + adjective 2 + giống như + Subject 2

For example: 

Anh ấy vừa đẹp trai vừa thông minh giống như ba tôiHe is both handsome and intelligent, just like my father.
Ba tôi vừa vui vẻ vừa sâu sắc giống như bác sĩ tâm lýMy father is both cheerful and profound, just like a psychologist.
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Bà tôi vừa trẻ vừa đẹp giống như gái đôi mươiMy grandmother is both young and beautiful, just like a twenty-year-old girl.
Con mèo của tôi vừa nhỏ vừa nghịch giống như con mèo của bạnMy cat is both small and playful, just like your cat.
Điện thoại iPhone vừa tiện vừa nhỏ gọn giống như điện thoại SamsungThe iPhone is both convenient and compact, just like a Samsung phone.
Quán cafe này vừa ấm cúng vừa thư giãn giống như 1 tiệm spa This café is both cozy and relaxing, just like a spa.

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FAQs

What are some advanced structures to compare adjectives in Vietnamese?

Advanced structures include “so với,” “hơn nhiều,” “ít hơn,” “kém,” and “bằng nhau về mặt…” to express more precise or nuanced comparisons.

Can I use multiple adjectives in one comparison sentence?

Yes. You can use multiple adjectives by separating them with “và” (and) or structuring the sentence to highlight contrast, such as: “Anh ấy thông minh hơn và nhanh nhẹn hơn tôi.”

How do I express equality using adjectives?

Use “cũng…như,” “giống như,” or “bằng nhau” with the adjective, such as “Cô ấy đẹp cũng như duyên dáng.”

What is the difference between “hơn” and “kém” in comparisons?

“Hơn” is used when someone or something has more of a quality (e.g., cao hơn = taller), while “kém” expresses a lack of a quality compared to another (e.g., kém thông minh = less intelligent).

Are there formal vs informal ways to compare adjectives?

Yes. Phrases like “so với” or “có vẻ như” are more formal, while “hơn,” “kém,” or “giống như” are commonly used in daily conversation.

Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?

Yes, you can!

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You’ll even have the opportunity to live with a Vietnamese family, thanks to our homestays.

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