B1 · Intermediate Chapter 4

Making Comparisons

5 Total Rules
50 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of comparing everything from prices to skills like a native speaker.

  • Express equality and differences between two objects.
  • Describe how things change over time automatically.
  • Compare how well people perform specific actions.
Beyond 'good' and 'bad': Adding nuance to your Chinese.

What You'll Learn

Hey, smart B1 learner! Ready to kick your Chinese up a notch and sound truly native? This chapter is tailor-made for you! Here, you'll master the art of comparing things, exactly like native Chinese speakers do. No more just saying 'this thing is good'; soon, you'll be able to say 'this thing is as good as that thing' or 'this one is better than that one,' adding incredible nuance to your conversations. We'll start with 跟...一样 to express exact sameness, like 'This phone is just like the new one.' Then, if things aren't identical, 跟...不一样 will let you clearly state 'No, these two are absolutely not the same!' And for those moments when things are close but not quite, 差不多 will help you say 'It's almost the same.' Imagine using this while shopping: 'This price is almost the same as that one.' Next, we dive into the exciting world of changes! With 越来越, you'll learn how to express something 'getting more and more' or 'less and less' over time. For instance, 'My Chinese reading is getting better day by day!' or 'The weather is getting colder and colder.' Finally, we reach the star of the chapter: comparing actions using 比 + 得. This is key to sounding natural! You'll be able to say 'He swims better than me' or 'You drive more carefully than I do.' By the end of this chapter, your sentences won't be bland or simplistic. You'll confidently be able to highlight subtle differences and similarities, describe ongoing changes, and even compliment others on their skills. Your conversations are going to become much more natural and engaging! All these skills are super useful in daily chats, shopping, talking with friends, or even describing movies and TV shows. Let's go!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use 跟...一样(gēn...yíyàng) to identify identical features in two objects.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Apply 差不多(chàbuduō) to describe items that are nearly identical.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Construct complex sentences comparing performance using the 比...得(bǐ...de) structure.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey there, B1 Chinese grammar superstar! Ready to level up your language skills and start sounding genuinely natural? This chapter is your golden ticket to mastering making comparisons in Chinese. Forget basic sentences; we're diving deep into the nuances that let you express subtle similarities, clear differences, and exciting changes, just like native Chinese speakers. Understanding these patterns isn't just about passing a test; it’s about unlocking richer, more engaging conversations in real life.
At the B1 CEFR level, you're moving beyond survival phrases and starting to articulate more complex ideas. This guide will equip you with the tools to describe how things are alike, how they differ, and how they are evolving. Whether you're discussing the weather, comparing products while shopping, or simply chatting about your day, these structures are incredibly versatile and essential. By the end, you'll effortlessly compare actions, qualities, and states, adding a sophisticated layer to your Chinese communication.
From stating exact sameness to highlighting gradual changes and even comparing how well people perform actions, this chapter covers it all. Get ready to transform your expressions from simple statements to vivid descriptions, making your Chinese sound more polished and authentic. Let's dive into these powerful Chinese grammar structures!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces several key patterns for making comparisons in Chinese, building your ability to describe the world with greater precision. First up, for expressing exact sameness, we use 跟...一样 (gēn...yīyàng). The structure is typically A 跟 B 一样 (adjective/verb), meaning "A is as [adjective/verb] as B." For example, 她的手机跟我的一样新 (Tā de shǒujī gēn wǒ de yīyàng xīn - Her phone is as new as mine). When things aren't identical, 跟...不一样 (gēn...bùyīyàng) comes in handy. It follows the same structure: A 跟 B 不一样 (adjective/verb), meaning "A is not as [adjective/verb] as B" or simply "A is different from B." For instance, 这本书跟那本书不一样 (Zhè běn shū gēn nà běn shū bù yīyàng - This book is different from that book).
When things are close but not quite the same, 差不多 (chàbuduō) is your go-to phrase. It can be used alone to mean "almost" or "about," or in a comparison like A 跟 B 差不多, meaning "A is almost the same as B." For example, 我们的想法差不多 (Wǒmen de xiǎngfǎ chàbuduō - Our ideas are almost the same). To describe ongoing changes, we use 越来越 (yuèláiyuè), which means "more and more" or "less and less." The structure is Subject + 越来越 + Adjective/Verb. You might say, 我的中文越来越好 (Wǒ de Zhōngwén yuèláiyuè hǎo - My Chinese is getting better and better). Finally, for comparing actions, we use the advanced pattern 比 + 得 (bǐ + de). This is crucial for saying someone "does something better than" someone else. The structure is A 比 B + Verb + 得 + Adverbial Complement. For example, 他游泳比我游得快 (Tā yóuyǒng bǐ wǒ yóu de kuài - He swims faster than me). This allows you to compare the *manner* or *result* of an action.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 他比我跑快。 (Tā bǐ wǒ pǎo kuài.)
✓ Correct: 他比我跑得快。 (Tā bǐ wǒ pǎo de kuài.)
*Explanation:* When comparing actions using 比 (bǐ), you must use the structural particle 得 (de) after the verb and before the adverbial complement (e.g., 快 - fast) to describe *how* the action is performed. Omitting 得 is a common error for B1 Chinese learners.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 天气越来越很冷。 (Tiānqì yuèláiyuè hěn lěng.)
✓ Correct: 天气越来越冷。 (Tiānqì yuèláiyuè lěng.)
*Explanation:* The phrase 越来越 (yuèláiyuè) already implies an increasing degree, so adverbs like 很 (hěn), 非常 (fēicháng), or 特别 (tèbié) are unnecessary and grammatically incorrect when used directly before the adjective.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 我的书跟你的书一样。 (Wǒ de shū gēn nǐ de shū yīyàng.) (Intending to say "My book is as interesting as yours.")
✓ Correct: 我的书跟你的书一样有意思。 (Wǒ de shū gēn nǐ de shū yīyàng yǒuyìsi.)
*Explanation:* While "我的书跟你的书一样" can mean "My book is the same as yours" (in terms of identity), if you want to compare a specific quality (like "interesting"), you must explicitly state that quality after 一样 (yīyàng).

Real Conversations

A

A

你觉得这件衣服怎么样？ (Nǐ juéde zhè jiàn yīfu zěnmeyàng? - What do you think of this piece of clothing?)
B

B

颜色跟上次那件不一样，但是款式差不多。 (Yánsè gēn shàngcì nà jiàn bù yīyàng, dànshì kuǎnshì chàbuduō. - The color is different from the last one, but the style is almost the same.)
A

A

你的中文越来越流利了！ (Nǐ de Zhōngwén yuèláiyuè liúlì le! - Your Chinese is getting more and more fluent!)
B

B

谢谢！我每天都练习。你发音比我说得好。 (Xièxie! Wǒ měitiān dōu liànxí. Nǐ fāyīn bǐ wǒ shuō de hǎo. - Thanks! I practice every day. Your pronunciation is better than mine.)
A

A

这家餐厅的菜跟我们上次去的那家一样好吃吗？ (Zhè jiā cāntīng de cài gēn wǒmen shàngcì qù de nà jiā yīyàng hǎochī ma? - Is the food at this restaurant as delicious as the one we went to last time?)
B

B

嗯，我觉得这里的服务比那家做得更好，菜也差不多。 (Èn, wǒ juéde zhèlǐ de fúwù bǐ nà jiā zuò de gèng hǎo, cài yě chàbuduō. - Hmm, I think the service here is better than that place, and the food is almost the same.)

Quick FAQ

Q

Can I use 和 (hé) instead of 跟 (gēn) for comparison structures like "as...as"?

Yes! 和 and 跟 are largely interchangeable in this context, both meaning "and" or "with/to." So, A 和 B 一样 is also perfectly correct for B1 Chinese learners.

Q

What's the main difference between 差不多 (chàbuduō) and 一样 (yīyàng)?

一样 means "exactly the same" or "identical," while 差不多 means "almost the same," "similar," or "approximately." 差不多 implies a slight difference or a close resemblance, not perfect identity.

Q

Is 越来越 (yuèláiyuè) only used for positive changes in Chinese grammar?

No, 越来越 can describe both positive and negative changes. For example, "天气越来越冷" (Tiānqì yuèláiyuè lěng - The weather is getting colder and colder) describes a negative change (if you dislike cold).

Q

When should I *not* use 得 (de) with 比 (bǐ)?

You only use 得 (de) when comparing *actions* (Verb + 得 + Complement). If you're simply comparing qualities (e.g., "A is taller than B"), you use the simpler A 比 B + Adjective structure, without 得. For example, 他比我高 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo - He is taller than me).

Cultural Context

These comparison patterns are deeply embedded in daily Chinese conversations. Using 跟...一样 and 差不多 can be a polite way to agree or show common ground, while 越来越 is fantastic for describing progress or changes in a nuanced way. The 比 + 得 structure for comparing actions is particularly important for sounding natural, as it's how Chinese speakers express skill differences without sounding abrupt. Mastering these shows not just grammatical proficiency but also a deeper understanding of how to express subtle shades of meaning, crucial for genuine interaction.

Key Examples (8)

1

我这张照片跟你的那张一样好看。

This photo of mine is as good as yours.

Comparing Sameness in Chinese: As... As (跟...一样)
2

这种咖啡跟星巴克的一样贵。

This coffee is as expensive as Starbucks.

Comparing Sameness in Chinese: As... As (跟...一样)
3

This dish is not the same as that dish.

This dish is not the same as that dish.

Saying Things Are Different: 跟...不一样 (Not the Same As)
4

This computer is completely different from mine.

This computer is completely different from mine.

Saying Things Are Different: 跟...不一样 (Not the Same As)
5

You reply to messages faster than me.

You reply to messages faster than me.

Verb Comparisons: Doing it better than you ({比|bǐ} + {得|de})
6

He eats more than I do.

He eats more than I do.

Verb Comparisons: Doing it better than you ({比|bǐ} + {得|de})
7

夏天的天气越来越热了。

The weather in summer is getting hotter and hotter.

Expressing Change: 'More and More' with `越来越` (yuèláiyuè)
8

我的中文水平越来越高了。

My Chinese level is getting higher and higher.

Expressing Change: 'More and More' with `越来越` (yuèláiyuè)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Adjective Placement

Always put the adjective at the very end of the phrase. Do not put it between 'gen' and 'yiyang'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Sameness in Chinese: As... As (跟...一样)
💡

Use '跟' for comparisons

Always use '跟' to link the two things you are comparing.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying Things Are Different: 跟...不一样 (Not the Same As)
💡

Verb Repetition

Always repeat the verb if an object is present. It's the most common mistake.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verb Comparisons: Doing it better than you ({比|bǐ} + {得|de})
💡

Add 'le'

Always add 'le' at the end to show the change is happening now.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Change: 'More and More' with `越来越` (yuèláiyuè)

Key Vocabulary (6)

手机(shǒujī) mobile phone 价格(jiàgé) price 变化(biànhuà) change 水平(shuǐpíng) level/standard 提高(tígāo) to improve/to raise 习惯(xíguàn) habit / to be used to

Real-World Preview

shopping-cart

Shopping for Electronics

languages

Talking about Language Progress

Review Summary

  • A 跟 B 一样 (+ Adj)
  • A 跟 B 不一样
  • A (跟 B) 差不多
  • 越来越 + Adj/Verb
  • A 比 B + Verb + 得 + Adj

Common Mistakes

In a comparison using '比', you cannot use '很' before the adjective because '比' already implies a degree of difference.

Wrong: 他比我很高。(Tā bǐ wǒ hěn gāo.)
Correct: 他比我高。(Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.)

You cannot put an adjective after '不一样' like you can with '一样'. Instead, state the property (price, size) as the subject.

Wrong: 我的手机跟你的不一样贵。(Wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de bù yíyàng guì.)
Correct: 我的手机跟你的价格不一样。(Wǒ de shǒujī gēn nǐ de jiàgé bù yíyàng.)

When comparing how an action is performed, you must use the structural particle '得' to link the verb to the adjective.

Wrong: 他比我写快。(Tā bǐ wǒ xiě kuài.)
Correct: 他比我写得快。(Tā bǐ wǒ xiě de kuài.)

Next Steps

You've just added a massive amount of descriptive power to your Chinese! Being able to compare things is a hallmark of the B1 level. Keep practicing these structures, and you'll sound more natural every day.

Go to a grocery store or website and compare the prices and sizes of two similar items in Chinese.

Write three sentences about how your Chinese skills have changed since you started.

Continue to: Mastering Result and Experience

Quick Practice (10)

Fill in the blank.

这两个 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Simple usage.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Chinese Comparisons: 'Almost the Same' with 差不多 (chàbuduō)

Fill in the blank.

他跑___比我快。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 得
The {得|de} particle is needed.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verb Comparisons: Doing it better than you ({比|bǐ} + {得|de})

Fill in the blank: 我 ___ 你不一样。

我 ___ 你不一样。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 跟
The standard connector is '跟'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying Things Are Different: 跟...不一样 (Not the Same As)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跟我不一样高。
Correct structure.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Sameness in Chinese: As... As (跟...一样)

Choose the best fit.

他___我一样喜欢看书。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 跟
Equality comparison.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Sameness in Chinese: As... As (跟...一样)

Fill in the blank.

天气 ___ 热了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 越来越
The pattern is 越来越.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Change: 'More and More' with `越来越` (yuèláiyuè)

Which is more formal?

Which is more formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不同
'不同' is more formal.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying Things Are Different: 跟...不一样 (Not the Same As)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他跑得比我快
Correct structure.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Verb Comparisons: Doing it better than you ({比|bǐ} + {得|de})

Fill in the blank with the correct word.

我___她一样高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 跟
Use '跟' to compare equality.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Comparing Sameness in Chinese: As... As (跟...一样)

Correct the sentence: 这不一样那。

Find and fix the mistake:

这不一样那。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这跟那不一样
Needs the connector '跟'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Saying Things Are Different: 跟...不一样 (Not the Same As)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Yes, 'he' (和) is interchangeable with 'gen' (跟) in this structure.
It is primarily for adjectives. For verbs, you usually need a different structure.
Yes, but '跟' is more common in spoken Chinese for this structure.
Use '有点儿不一样'.
In Chinese, the {得|de} particle needs a verb to attach to. If there is an object, the verb must be repeated to provide a base for {得|de}.
Yes, just add {不|bù} before the adjective: {他|tā}{跑|pǎo}{得|de}{比|bǐ}{我|wǒ}{不|bù}{快|kuài}.
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