Comparison with 比

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.