Definition
比 is the standard preposition for direct comparisons: 'A 比 B + adjective' means A is more adjective than B. 比较 (HSK3) is different — as an adverb it means 'relatively, quite' (比较便宜 'relatively cheap'), and as a verb it means 'to compare'. 相比 (HSK4) is more formal and used in 'compared with' structures.
preposition
used to compare differencesmeaning 'more ... than'
verb
to compare
Easily confused
- 闭bìsound-aliketo close, to shut
- 笔bǐsound-alikewriting instrument (pen, pencil, brush)
- 逼bīsound-aliketo force, to compel (someone to do something)
- 必bìsound-alikecertainly; must; necessarily; will (expressing necessity or certainty)
- 避bìsound-aliketo avoid; to evade; to keep away from; to shun
Examples
- 比。Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.He is taller than me.
- 比。Zhège píngguǒ bǐ nàge dà.This apple is bigger than that one.
- 比。Nǐmen bú yào bǐ le.Don't compare anymore.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 2 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.