Grammar
Comparisons with 比
To compare two things use:
A + 比 + B + adjective
比 (bǐ) literally means "compare". Unlike English, the adjective is bare — no "more" or "-er" needed.
Examples
- 我 比 你 高。 "I'm taller than you."
- 中文 比 英文 难。 "Chinese is harder than English."
- 茶 比 咖啡 便宜。 "Tea is cheaper than coffee."
How much more? Add the amount at the end
- 我 比 你 高 一点。 "I'm a little taller."
- 我 比 你 高 很多。 "I'm much taller."
- 我 比 你 高 五厘米。 "I'm 5 cm taller."
Negation
Two flavors, different meanings:
- 我 不 比 你 高。 "I'm not taller than you." (maybe equal)
- 我 没 有 你 高。 "I'm not as tall as you." (you're taller)
Don't use 很 in a 比 comparison: ❌ 我 比 你 很 高。
Quiz
Pick the best answer for each question. You get feedback right away.
-
How do you say "I am taller than you"?
-
比 literally means:
-
我 没 有 你 高 means: