A2 · Elementary Chapter 5

Comparing and Contrasting

7 Total Rules
74 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of comparing everything from prices to coffee quality in Chinese.

  • State that two things are identical using the equality pattern.
  • Contrast items using 'than' and 'not as' structures.
  • Add specific measurements and intensity to your comparisons.
Better, faster, stronger: Compare like a pro!

What You'll Learn

Hey friend! Ever wanted to say "This coffee isn't as tasty as that one or This phone is much more expensive than that one"? Well, now's your chance! In this chapter, we're going to master all sorts of comparisons in Chinese. You'll learn how to express that two things are exactly the same as using {跟...一样}, and how to state

A is better than B
with {比}. Want to say something "doesn't measure up"? No worries, {没有} has got your back. We'll even cover how to use {更} to say something is even more of a certain quality, and how to add precision to your comparisons with phrases like {一点儿} or {多了}, or even specific quantities. You'll never get stuck comparing prices while shopping, choosing a restaurant, or describing your friends again. These skills are super useful in everyday Chinese conversations. Ready to level up your chats? Let's dive in!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to state two items are the same using 跟(gēn)...一样(yíyàng).
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to construct sentences comparing two objects using 比(bǐ).
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to express inferiority using 没有(méiyǒu).
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to quantify differences using degree complements like 一点儿(yīdiǎnr).

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey there, future Chinese master! Welcome to our "Comparing and Contrasting" chapter, a super exciting and essential part of your A2 Chinese grammar journey. Ever found yourself wanting to say something like, "This coffee isn't as tasty as that one" or "My phone is much newer than yours"? Well, you're in the right place! Mastering comparisons is a game-changer for daily conversations and will significantly boost your fluency.
In this chapter, we're diving deep into how to express various types of comparisons in Chinese. You'll learn the key structures to say two things are exactly "the same as" using 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng), and how to declare "A is better than B" with the versatile 比 (bǐ). We'll also tackle how to say something "doesn't measure up" or is "not as good as" using 没有 (méiyǒu). Plus, we’ll explore how to add emphasis with 更 (gèng) for "even more" and bring precision to your comparisons with phrases like 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr), 多了 (duōle), or even specific quantities. These Chinese comparisons are fundamental for everything from shopping and ordering food to describing people and places. Get ready to level up your A2 Chinese communication skills!

How This Grammar Works

Let's break down the core structures you'll be using to compare and contrast in Chinese. First up, for expressing equality, we use 跟...一样 (gēn... yīyàng), meaning "as... as" or "the same as". The structure is A 跟 B 一样 (+ Adjective). For example: 他的手机跟我的手机一样新。 (Tā de shǒujī gēn wǒ de shǒujī yīyàng xīn. - His phone is as new as my phone.) Or, if they are exactly the same, you can just say: 他的手机跟我的手机一样。 (His phone is the same as my phone.)
Next, the mighty 比 (bǐ) is your go-to for saying "A is more... than B". The basic structure is A 比 B + Adjective. For instance: 北京比上海大。 (Běijīng bǐ Shànghǎi dà. - Beijing is bigger than Shanghai.) Notice we don't use adverbs like 很 (hěn) after 比. To show a greater degree, you can add 更 (gèng) before the adjective for "even more": 这个菜比那个菜更好吃。 (Zhège cài bǐ nàge cài gèng hǎochī. - This dish is even tastier than that dish.)
When something "doesn't measure up" or is "not as... as" something else, 没有 (méiyǒu) is your friend. The structure is A 没有 B + Adjective. For example: 他没有我高。 (Tā méiyǒu wǒ gāo. - He is not as tall as me.) This is your primary way to negate comparisons in Chinese, rather than using 不比 (bù bǐ).
Finally, to add precision to your 比 (bǐ) comparisons, you can specify "how much" more. You can add 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr) (a little bit), 多了 (duōle) (much more), or specific quantities after the adjective. For example: 他比我高一点儿。 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo yīdiǎnr. - He is a little bit taller than me.) 这个手机比那个手机贵多了。 (Zhège shǒujī bǐ nàge shǒujī guì duōle. - This phone is much more expensive than that phone.) Or with a specific number: 他比我大两岁。 (Tā bǐ wǒ dà liǎng suì. - He is two years older than me.) These Chinese grammar structures are incredibly useful for everyday interactions!

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 他比我很高。 (Tā bǐ wǒ hěn gāo.)
✓ Correct: 他比我高。 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.)
*Explanation:* When using 比 (bǐ) for comparison, you generally do not put an adverb of degree like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 特别 (tèbié) directly before the adjective. The comparison itself implies the degree.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 我比你不好。 (Wǒ bǐ nǐ bù hǎo.)
✓ Correct: 我没有你好。 (Wǒ méiyǒu nǐ hǎo.)
*Explanation:* To say "A is not as... as B," the correct structure is A 没有 (méiyǒu) B + Adjective. While 不比 (bù bǐ) exists, it usually means "not necessarily more... than" or "doesn't compare to" in a different nuance, and 没有 (méiyǒu) is the standard way for "not as... as."
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 他高比我一点儿。 (Tā gāo bǐ wǒ yīdiǎnr.)
✓ Correct: 他比我高一点儿。 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo yīdiǎnr.)
*Explanation:* The degree adverb or quantity (like 一点儿, 多了, or a specific number) always comes *after* the adjective in a 比 (bǐ) comparison. The structure is A 比 B + Adjective + Degree/Quantity.

Real Conversations

A

A

你觉得北京的冬天冷吗？ (Nǐ juéde Běijīng de dōngtiān lěng ma? - Do you think Beijing's winter is cold?)
B

B

嗯，北京的冬天比上海冷多了。 (En, Běijīng de dōngtiān bǐ Shànghǎi lěng duōle. - Hmm, Beijing's winter is much colder than Shanghai's.)
A

A

你的新手机跟我的旧手机一样大吗？ (Nǐ de xīn shǒujī gēn wǒ de jiù shǒujī yīyàng dà ma? - Is your new phone as big as my old phone?)
B

B

不一样，我的新手机比你的旧手机小一点儿。 (Bù yīyàng, wǒ de xīn shǒujī bǐ nǐ de jiù shǒujī xiǎo yīdiǎnr. - No, my new phone is a little smaller than your old phone.)
A

A

我觉得这个饭店的菜没有上次那家好吃。 (Wǒ juéde zhège fàndiàn de cài méiyǒu shàngcì nà jiā hǎochī. - I think this restaurant's food isn't as tasty as the last one.)
B

B

是啊，上次那家更好吃。 (Shì a, shàngcì nà jiā gèng hǎochī. - Yeah, the last one was even tastier.)

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use 不比 (bù bǐ) instead of 没有 (méiyǒu) to say "not as... as"?

While 不比 (bù bǐ) exists, it has a slightly different nuance, often meaning "not necessarily more than" or "doesn't compare to." For a straightforward "A is not as [adjective] as B," 没有 (méiyǒu) is the standard and most natural choice in A2 Chinese.

Q

Where does 更 (gèng) go in a sentence with 比 (bǐ)?

更 (gèng) (meaning "even more") always goes *before* the adjective in a 比 (bǐ) comparison. For example: A 比 B 更 + Adjective.

Q

What's the difference between using 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr) and 多了 (duōle) after an adjective in a 比 (bǐ) comparison?

一点儿 (yīdiǎnr) means "a little bit," indicating a small difference. 多了 (duōle) means "much more," indicating a significant difference. Choose based on the degree of difference you want to express.

Q

Can 一样 (yīyàng) be used without 跟 (gēn)?

Yes, 一样 (yīyàng) can be used alone to say "the same" in general, or when the comparison is implied. However, to explicitly state "A is the same as B," you'll need the 跟...一样 structure.

Cultural Context

Chinese speakers often use these comparison structures directly in daily life, whether it's discussing weather, comparing prices in a market, or sharing opinions about food. The use of 比 and 没有 is very common and straightforward. Unlike some languages where direct comparisons might be seen as impolite, in Chinese, they are a standard and efficient way to convey information and personal preferences. Mastering these Chinese grammar patterns will make your conversations much more natural and expressive.

Key Examples (8)

1

哥哥比弟弟高。

The older brother is taller than the younger brother.

Comparing Things with Bǐ (比)
2

这个包比那个贵得多。

This bag is much more expensive than that one.

Comparing Things with Bǐ (比)
3

Older brother is taller than younger brother.

Older brother is taller than younger brother.

Comparing Things with 'bǐ' (A is more ... than B)
4

This computer is 3,000 yuan more expensive than that one.

This computer is 3,000 yuan more expensive than that one.

Comparing Things with 'bǐ' (A is more ... than B)
5

今天比昨天热一点儿。

Today is a bit hotter than yesterday.

Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree)
6

这个包比那个贵多了。

This bag is much more expensive than that one.

Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree)
7

这个APP没有那个好用。

This app isn't as easy to use as that one.

Comparisons with Méiyǒu (Not as... as)
8

今天没有昨天那么热。

Today isn't as hot as yesterday.

Comparisons with Méiyǒu (Not as... as)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

No 'Very'

Never use '很' (hěn) in a '比' sentence. It's a common trap!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Things with Bǐ (比)
💡

Avoid 'hěn'

Never use 'hěn' with 'bǐ'. It makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Things with 'bǐ' (A is more ... than B)
💡

No 'Hen'

Never use 'hen' in a 'bi' sentence. It is grammatically incorrect.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree)
💡

Keep it simple

Don't add extra words like 'very' or 'so' unless you use the 'nàme' structure.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparisons with Méiyǒu (Not as... as)

Key Vocabulary (7)

手机(shǒujī) cell phone 贵(guì) expensive 便宜(piányi) cheap 高(gāo) tall/high 快(kuài) fast 舒服(shūfu) comfortable 咖啡(kāfēi) coffee

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

Buying a New Phone

Review Summary

  • A + 跟 + B + 一样 (+ Adj)
  • A + 比 + B + Adj
  • A + 没有 + B (+ 那么) + Adj
  • A + 比 + B + 更 + Adj
  • A + 比 + B + Adj + 一点儿/多了

Common Mistakes

You cannot use '很' (hěn) in a comparison sentence because '比' (bǐ) already establishes the comparison degree. Adding '很' is redundant and grammatically incorrect.

Wrong: 他比我很漂亮。 (Tā bǐ wǒ hěn piàoliang.)
Correct: 他比我漂亮。 (Tā bǐ wǒ piàoliang.)

While '不比' exists, it usually means 'A is not more than B (but could be equal)'. To say 'A is not as tall as B', '没有' (méiyǒu) is the standard and most natural pattern.

Wrong: 我不比他高。 (Wǒ bù bǐ tā gāo.)
Correct: 我没有他高。 (Wǒ méiyǒu tā gāo.)

You cannot use precision modifiers like '一点儿' (yīdiǎnr) with '一样' (yíyàng) because '一样' means they are exactly the same, leaving no room for a 'little bit' of difference.

Wrong: 这个跟那个一样大一点儿。 (Zhège gēn nàge yíyàng dà yīdiǎnr.)
Correct: 这个比那个大一点儿。 (Zhège bǐ nàge dà yīdiǎnr.)

Next Steps

You've just unlocked a huge part of functional Chinese! Being able to compare things makes you a much more effective communicator. Keep practicing those '比' sentences!

Go to a grocery store and compare the prices of two fruits aloud in Chinese.

Write 5 sentences comparing your best friend to yourself.

Continue to: Linking Ideas and Journeys

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct negative.

What is the negative of '他跟她一样高'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟她不一样高
Correct negation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Equality: 'As... As' (跟...一样)

Fill in the blank.

他___我一样高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 跟
The structure is A跟B一样.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Equality: 'As... As' (跟...一样)

Correct the sentence: 他比我很高。

Find and fix the mistake:

他比我很高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他比我高
Remove 'hěn'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Things with 'bǐ' (A is more ... than B)

Fill in the blank: 他 ___ 我高。

他 ___ 我高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 没有
The structure for negative comparison is A + 没有 + B + Adj.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparisons with Méiyǒu (Not as... as)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

我没有比你高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我没有你高
Remove {比|bǐ}.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparison Negation: Not as... as (没有 méiyǒu)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

苹果比香蕉很贵。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 苹果比香蕉贵
Remove '很'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Things with Bǐ (比)

Fill in the blank: 我 ___ 你高。

我 ___ 你高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 比
Use 'bǐ' for comparison.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Things with 'bǐ' (A is more ... than B)

Fill in the blank: 我比你___五岁。

a) 高 b) 大 c) 长 d) 多

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Age uses 'da'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree)

Correct the sentence: 他没有比我高。

Find and fix the mistake:

他没有比我高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他没有我高
Don't use {比|bǐ} with {没有|méiyǒu}.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparisons with Méiyǒu (Not as... as)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他没有我忙
Correct structure.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparison Negation: Not as... as (没有 méiyǒu)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, never. Using '很' makes the sentence grammatically incorrect.
You can add '一点' at the end of the sentence.
No, never use 'hěn' in a 'bǐ' sentence. It is grammatically incorrect.
Use 'yíyàng' instead of 'bǐ'.
No, 'hen' is for descriptive sentences, not comparisons.
Always after the adjective.
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