比 bǐ

HSK 2 Writing L2

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.

Common Usage & Traps

  • 比...多 (bǐ...duō) — more than
  • 比...少 (bǐ...shǎo) — less than
  • 比...好 (bǐ...hǎo) — better than
  • 比...大 (bǐ...dà) — bigger than
  • 比...小 (bǐ...xiǎo) — smaller than
  • 比...高 (bǐ...gāo) — taller than
  • 比...快 (bǐ...kuài) — faster than
  • 比...慢 (bǐ...màn) — slower than
  • 我比他很高兴。 我比他高兴。

    In a 比 comparison, do not put 很 before the adjective. The adjective stands alone.

  • 他比我不高。 他没有我高。

    To say 'not as tall as', use 没有, not 比...不. 比 is only for affirmative comparisons.

How do I say 'A is not as tall as B' in Chinese?

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.
DimensionNaturalAvoid
Affirmative他比我高。他比我不高。
Negative他没有我高。他比我不高。
MeaningHe is taller than me. / He is not as tall as me.Incorrect structure

Can I use 很 with 比 in a comparison sentence?

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.
DimensionNaturalAvoid
With 比我比他高兴。我比他很高兴。
Without 比我很高兴。我比高兴。

Appears in Stories 8 stories

《你误会方便面了吗?》 Are Instant Noodles Misunderstood?
HSK 6 ~10 min read 1171 chars
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Think instant noodles are unhealthy? This HSK 6 article challenges common myths and reveals surprising facts about nutrition, oil, and salt in this convenient food.

  • 对方便面,很多人都有各种各样的消极的印象, 比如 没有营养、有毒,油、盐含量高等等。

  • 人体所需要的营养成分是 比较 复杂的。

  • 事实上,油炸方便面的含油量 比 中国人传统常吃的油条,以及现在年轻人喜欢的炸薯条、炸土豆片什么的低很多,只是它们的二分之一不到。

  • 棕榈油是一种 比较 健康的植物油。

  • 由于油炸温度低、时间短,不仅棕榈油不会被“炸坏”,而且方便面中的营养成分损失也 比较 少。

《成语0001:东山再起》 The Comeback: From Eastern Mountain to Success
HSK 7 ~5 min read 589 chars
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Learn the fascinating story behind the Chinese idiom '东山再起' (Dongshan Zaiji), which means to make a comeback. Discover its historical roots and modern usage.

  • 比如 ,一个公司破产了,老板又重新创业赚钱,我们就可以说“他东山再起了”。

  • 比如 ,“美伊战争一开始,很多恐怖组织就死灰复燃了。”

  • 比较 搞笑的是它口语体的反义词:咸鱼翻身。

  • 比如 :这个项目已经被取消了,团队也解散了。

《大学者和小人物》 The Scholar and the Cookie Seller
HSK 5 ~8 min read 882 chars
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Discover how a simple letter from a cookie seller led to an unexpected friendship with a famous scholar. This heartwarming story explores kindness and connection across social divides.

  • 比如 ,到底英美政治制度哪个更好一点?

  • 他 比较 支持美国,但理论上说不明白,一直得不到满意的解释。

《你喜欢看老电影吗?》 Do You Like Old Movies?
HSK 2 ~3 min read 224 chars
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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。

《森林大火》 Forest Fires and a Homesick Heart
HSK 4 ~4 min read 454 chars
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Follow Xiao Li as he copes with the effects of forest fires near his home in the US and reflects on environmental changes. A thoughtful story for HSK 4 learners.

  • 这里的森林就在大海旁边,过去一直 比较 凉快。

《女朋友的苹果手机》 The Girlfriend's Apple Phone
HSK 3 ~3 min read 314 chars
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This humorous dialogue follows a man who spends all his savings on his girlfriend's Apple phone and a lucky number, leaving him broke. A fun read for HSK 3 learners.

  • 这 比 在网球场上得分要重要多了。

《饥饿的深意》 The Hidden Meaning of Hunger
HSK 7 ~11 min read 1243 chars
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Why would a millionaire leave a table of lobster and wagyu untouched? This story explores the hidden rules of business dining and the true cost of staying alert.

  • 他说过得就行, 比 我强。

《去上海》 Train or Plane to Shanghai
HSK 2 ~2 min read 151 chars
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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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