більше
bilshe
The Ukrainian word for "more" is більше (bilshe).
Більше is used to describe a greater amount or quantity of something. Depending on the context, it can also refer to a greater degree of something, meaning a higher intensity.
Which one should you use?
Більше is the standard comparative form used for most adjectives and nouns. In contrast, більш is a formal variant used specifically to form compound comparative adjectives, such as більш цікавий (more interesting).
How does it change in a sentence?
When used with a negative verb, більше functions as "any more" or "anymore" to indicate that an action has ceased. As an adverb, it can denote both a higher quantity and a higher degree of intensity.
How do you pronounce it?
bilshe
Did you know?
- While більше usually means 'more', in specific colloquial contexts it can be used to mean 'mostly' or 'mainly' when describing a person's character.
- The form більш is so formal that using it in a casual conversation with friends can make a speaker sound like they are reading from a legal document or a textbook.
- The suffix -ше in більше is an ancient linguistic marker that has survived for thousands of years from Proto-Slavic roots.
Examples in context
- Я більше не п'ю.I don't drink any more.This sentence shows how to use більше to indicate that an action like drinking has ceased.Tatoeba #7913577 by deniko, translation #11167604 by sundown
- Я більше не хочу.I don't want any more.This sentence shows how to use більше to indicate that a desire has ceased.Tatoeba #4919980 by triantafillou, translation #31649 by CK
- Я більше не хочу!I don't want any more!This sentence shows how to use більше to express a strong refusal or cessation of desire.Tatoeba #6714306 by deniko, translation #488182 by saasmath
- 691 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe in Kyiv.
- Андрій AndriiВи хочете більше цукру?Vy khochete bil'she tsukru?Do you want more sugar?
- Марія MariiaТак, будь ласка, додайте більше.Tak, bud' laska, dodayte bil'she.Yes, please, add more.
- Андрій AndriiОсь, тримайте.Os', trymayte.Here you go.
- Марія MariiaДякую, Андрію.Dyakuyu, Andriyu.Thank you, Andriy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries більше, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
