Comparison with 比
比 comparison
比 (bǐ) is used to compare two things directly, stating that A is more [adjective] than B. It is the most common comparison structure in Mandarin.
Pattern
A 比 B + Adjective (+ Specific Amount)
Explanation
The 比 (bǐ) construction is the standard way to make comparisons in Chinese. The basic pattern is "A 比 B + Adjective," meaning "A is more [adjective] than B." Unlike English, you do NOT use a separate word for "more" — the adjective alone carries the comparative meaning after 比.
For example, "他比我高" (tā bǐ wǒ gāo) means "He is taller than me." Notice there is no 更 (gèng, "more") or any equivalent of the English "-er" suffix. The presence of 比 already signals the comparison.
You can also add a specific degree after the adjective. "他比我高五厘米" means "He is five centimeters taller than me." When negating a 比 comparison, do NOT say "A 不比 B + adjective" for simple comparisons — instead use "A 没有 B + adjective" to say "A is not as [adjective] as B." The form "A 不比 B + adjective" has a special nuance: it implies "A is not necessarily more [adjective] than B" and is used to dispute a claim.
One important rule: do NOT use 很 before the adjective in a 比 sentence. Saying "他比我很高" is incorrect. The 比 structure replaces the need for 很.
Examples
Tā bǐ wǒ dà liǎng suì.
She is two years older than me.
Adding a specific amount after the adjective
Common Mistakes
Wrong
他比我很高。
Correct
他比我高。
Do not use 很 in a 比 comparison. 比 already signals the comparative degree.
Wrong
他不比我高。(meaning: he is shorter)
Correct
他没有我高。
To simply say "A is not as [adj] as B," use 没有 instead of 不比. 不比 has a disputing nuance.
Wrong
他比我更高。
Correct
他比我高。
更 is redundant with 比 in most cases. Simply use the adjective directly after 比 B.
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