Comparative 比

Learn how to make comparative statements in Chinese using 比 (bǐ) to express “more than” or “as compared with”

1 Basic Pattern: A 比 B + Stative Verb

Grammar Explanation: In Chinese, 比 (bǐ) means “than” or “as compared with”. To compare two (or more) things or persons, 比 is inserted between the two items being compared, and a Stative Verb follows the second item to indicate in which aspect they are being compared.

This structure is the most common way to make comparative statements in Chinese.

A + + B + Stative Verb
Item A
First item
+
+
Item B
Second item
+
Stative Verb
Comparative quality

Example Sentences

Structure Chinese Translation Audio
A 比 B SV
gāo.
I am taller than him.
A 比 B SV
今天昨天
Jīntiān zuótiān .
Today is hotter than yesterday.
A 比 B SV
北京的房子西安的房子
Běijīng de fángzi xī’ān de fángzi guì.
Beijing’s houses are more expensive than that of Xi’an.

比 (bǐ)

Function: Comparison marker

Meaning: Than, as compared with

Position: Always between the two items being compared

A 比 B
A compared to B

Stative Verbs

Function: Shows comparison quality

Common Examples:
高 (tall), 热 (hot), 贵 (expensive), 快 (fast)

Position: Always after the second item (B)

比 B 高
taller than B

Visual Comparison Structure

👤
我 (Wǒ)
Item A
The one being compared
👤
他 (Tā)
Item B
The standard of comparison
+
📏
高 (Gāo)
Stative Verb
Comparative quality

The structure states that Item A has MORE of the stative verb quality than Item B. No “more” word is needed – 比 + SV already implies “more”.

2 Expressing Comparison Extent

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3 Simple Pattern: S + 比较 (bǐjiào) + SV

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Usage Tips & Common Mistakes

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Practice Exercises

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Comparative 比
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Negative Form of 比 - HSK Course
2 months ago

[…] Explanation: Previously, we learned how to make comparisons using “比” (bǐ). The negative form of this type of sentence can technically be done by adding “不” […]

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