To stand two people side by side as companions or rivals. To compare, contrast, compete, or express “than” in comparisons. Two matching figures (匕) lined up side by side, sizing each other up.
In a 比 comparison, do not put 很 before the adjective. The adjective stands alone.
To say 'not as tall as', use 没有, not 比...不. 比 is only for affirmative comparisons.
Use 没有, not 比...不.
The word 比 is used for affirmative comparisons: A 比 B + adjective. To make a negative comparison meaning 'A is not as ... as B', you must use 没有: A 没有 B + adjective. Never say 比...不.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | 他比我高。 | 他比我不高。 |
| Negative | 他没有我高。 | 他比我不高。 |
| Meaning | He is taller than me. / He is not as tall as me. | Incorrect structure |
No, 很 is not used with 比.
In a 比 comparison, the adjective is used without 很. Saying 我比他很高兴 is wrong. The correct form is 我比他高兴. The word 很 is used in simple descriptions, not in comparisons with 比.
| Dimension | Natural | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| With 比 | 我比他高兴。 | 我比他很高兴。 |
| Without 比 | 我很高兴。 | 我比高兴。 |
In this dialogue, two people chat while waiting outside a cinema. You'll hear common phrases for talking about hobbies, sports, and movie preferences.
有的时候，老电影 比 现在的新电影有意思。
Meet Xiao Shang, who is heading back to Shanghai. She compares two ways to travel and tells us why she prefers the slower one. This story helps you practice comparing transportation in simple Chinese.
坐火车 比 坐飞机便宜得多，去飞机场也要花很多时间，所以，小商觉得坐火车 比 坐飞机好。
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