Making Comparisons in Chinese - Master the 比 (bǐ) Structure

Introduction

Want to say "I'm taller than you" or "This coffee is better than that one" in Chinese? You'll need to master the 比 (bǐ) structure - one of the most essential grammar patterns for making comparisons in Mandarin.

Unlike English, which adds "-er" to adjectives or uses "more," Chinese has its own elegant system. Once you understand the pattern, you'll find it surprisingly logical and straightforward!

The Basic 比 Structure

The fundamental comparison pattern in Chinese follows this formula:

A + 比 + B + Adjective

This literally translates to "A compared to B is [adjective]."

Key Point: Notice that the adjective comes at the end, and there's no equivalent of "more" or "-er" - the 比 structure already implies comparison!

Adding Degree: How Much More?

Sometimes you want to specify how much more something is. Chinese offers several ways to express degrees of comparison.

Using 一点 (yī diǎn) - A Little Bit

Add 一点 after the adjective for small differences:

Using 多了 (duō le) - Much More

For significant differences, add 多了 after the adjective:

Using Specific Amounts

You can also specify exact differences:

Negative Comparisons: 没有 (méi yǒu)

To say something is "not as... as," Chinese uses 没有 (méi yǒu) instead of 不比:

A + 没有 + B + Adjective

Important: While 不比 (bù bǐ) exists, it has a different nuance - it means "not more than" rather than "less than." Use 没有 for clear "not as... as" comparisons.

Comparing Actions with 得 (de)

When comparing how well actions are performed, use the 得 structure:

A + Verb + 得 + 比 + B + Adjective

Common Comparison Adjectives

Here are frequently used adjectives in comparisons:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Using 更 (gèng) with 比

❌ 他比我更高 (tā bǐ wǒ gèng gāo) ✅ 他比我高 (tā bǐ wǒ gāo)

The 比 structure already implies comparison - no need for 更!

Mistake 2: Using 很 (hěn) with 比

❌ 苹果比香蕉很贵 (píng guǒ bǐ xiāng jiāo hěn guì) ✅ 苹果比香蕉贵 (píng guǒ bǐ xiāng jiāo guì)

Don't use 很 (very) in 比 comparisons - it's redundant and incorrect.

Mistake 3: Wrong Word Order

❌ 比你我高 (bǐ nǐ wǒ gāo) ✅ 我比你高 (wǒ bǐ nǐ gāo)

Remember: The thing/person being described comes FIRST, then 比, then what you're comparing to.

Practice Sentences

Try translating these sentences using 比:

1. Summer is hotter than spring.
2. My Chinese is not as good as yours.
3. She speaks Chinese much better than me.
4. This restaurant is a little more expensive than that one.
5. He is five centimeters taller than his brother.

Answers:

1. 夏天比春天热 (xià tiān bǐ chūn tiān rè)
2. 我的中文没有你的好 (wǒ de zhōng wén méi yǒu nǐ de hǎo)
3. 她说中文说得比我好多了 (tā shuō zhōng wén shuō de bǐ wǒ hǎo duō le)
4. 这家餐厅比那家贵一点 (zhè jiā cān tīng bǐ nà jiā guì yī diǎn)
5. 他比他弟弟高五厘米 (tā bǐ tā dì di gāo wǔ lí mǐ)

Quick Reference

Conclusion

The 比 structure is your gateway to expressing comparisons fluently in Chinese. Start with the basic pattern, then gradually incorporate degree expressions to add nuance to your comparisons.

Remember the golden rules:

• No 很 or 更 needed with 比
• Use 没有 for "not as... as"
• The first item is what you're describing

Practice with everyday observations - compare prices at the store, the weather today versus yesterday, or how fast your friends can speak Chinese!

加油！ (Jiā yóu!) - Keep comparing and improving!