Comparison of inequality (more/less/fewer than)

Usage varies somewhat in the use of di and che.

Nouns and pronouns

If two nouns or pronouns are compared and one of them comes before the verb, di is used. This usually means that both items are subjects of a verb, expressed or implied, e.g.:

Le riviste sono più/meno care dei giornali.

Magazines are more/less expensive than newspapers.

Mio fratello ha due anni più/meno di me.

My brother is two years older/younger than I/me.

Le nuove banconote sono più/meno belle di quelle vecchie.

The new banknotes are more/less beautiful than the old ones.

If the two nouns or pronouns being compared both come after the verb, che is used (though di may also be found in this position). This usually means that both items are objects of a verb. Compare the following pairs of sentences:

Mangio più past a che riso.

La pasta la mangio più del riso.

I eat more pasta than rice.