Chinese Comparisons: Using 不如 (bùrú) for 'Not As Good As'
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {不如|bùrú} to say something is 'not as good as' or 'inferior to' something else.
- Structure: A + 不如 + B (A is not as good as B).
- Add adjectives: A + 不如 + B + [Adjective] (A is not as [adj] as B).
- Use for suggestions: {不如|bùrú} + [Verb] (It would be better to...).
Overview
In Chinese, expressing that one thing is inferior to another in quality, desirability, or suitability is handled with a specific and versatile structure: 不如 (bùrú). While its direct translation is "not as" or "not equal to," its function extends beyond simple factual comparison. 不如 is primarily used to make a subjective judgment.
It conveys an opinion that something is less good, less effective, or less desirable than something else. This separates it from objective, measurable comparisons like height or temperature, which typically use a different pattern.
The grammar of 不如 serves two principal functions in the language. The first is a direct comparison where you state A is qualitatively worse than B. The second, and equally common, function is to suggest a better alternative course of action, often translated as "it would be better to..." or "might as well..." This makes 不如 a powerful tool for expressing personal preference, making strategic suggestions, and navigating decisions.
Its origin from Classical Chinese, where 如 (rú) meant "to be like" or "to equal," gives it a formal and established feel, yet it remains extremely common in everyday modern speech.
How This Grammar Works
不如 is asymmetrical comparison. When you use the structure A 不如 B, you are not just saying A and B are different; you are establishing a clear hierarchy where B is superior and A is inferior. The item placed before 不如 is always the one being judged as lesser.这家饭馆不如那家 (Zhè jiā fànguǎn bùrú nà jiā), the implied comparison is one of overall quality, typically 好 (hǎo - good) or a contextually obvious adjective like 好吃 (hǎo chī - delicious).不如 lives in the realm of subjectivity. It is for your opinion on which movie is more entertaining, which solution is more practical, or which restaurant serves better food.这本书不如那本有意思 (Zhè běn shū bùrú nà běn yǒuyìsi - This book is not as interesting as that one) is a personal judgment. In contrast, a neutral, factual comparison uses the 没有 (méiyǒu) structure: 他没有你高 (Tā méiyǒu nǐ gāo - He is not as tall as you). This is a measurable fact, not an opinion on his quality as a person.不如 for measurable facts like height or weight is grammatically awkward and unnatural.不如 is to propose a better plan, often in response to a less-than-ideal situation. When you say, 外面太吵了，我们不如去图书馆吧 (Wàimiàn tài chǎo le, wǒmen bùrú qù túshūguǎn ba), you are not just comparing the outside to the library. You are making a decisive suggestion: "It's too noisy out here; it would be better if we went to the library." This usage carries a sense of pragmatism and problem-solving, essentially meaning, "Given the current circumstances, this other option is superior." It's a common and effective way to pivot a plan or make a group decision.Formation Pattern
不如 requires understanding its different structural formations. The patterns are consistent and build upon a simple core. Remember that in patterns involving an adjective, the adjective itself should always be positive in meaning. The negative sense is already fully contained within 不如.
Noun/Pronoun 1 + 不如 + Noun/Pronoun 2
我不如你。 | Wǒ bùrú nǐ. | I am not as good as you. |
他的中文不如你。 | Tā de Zhōngwén bùrú nǐ. | His Chinese is not as good as yours. |
这个牌子不如那个。 | Zhège páizi bùrú nàge. | This brand is not as good as that one. |
这么 (zhème) or 那么 (nàme) can be added before the adjective for slight emphasis, similar to "that good."
Noun 1 + 不如 + Noun 2 + (这么/那么) + Adjective
坐火车不如坐飞机快。 | Zuò huǒchē bùrú zuò fēijī kuài. | Taking the train isn't as fast as flying. |
这件衬衫不如那件那么合身。 | Zhè jiàn chènshān bùrú nà jiàn nàme héshēn. | This shirt doesn't fit as well as that one. |
我们的方案不如他们的周全。 | Wǒmen de fāng'àn bùrú tāmen de zhōuquán. | Our plan is not as thorough as theirs. |
不如 is highly flexible and can compare entire actions or situations, making it useful for complex statements.
Verb Phrase/Clause 1 + 不如 + Verb Phrase/Clause 2
自己做饭不如点外卖方便。 | Zìjǐ zuòfàn bùrú diǎn wàimài fāngbiàn. | Cooking for oneself is not as convenient as ordering takeout. |
发短信不如直接打电话。 | Fā duǎnxìn bùrú zhíjiē dǎ diànhuà. | Texting is not as good as calling directly. |
解释半天不如让他自己看一遍。 | Jiěshì bàntiān bùrú ràng tā zìjǐ kàn yībiàn. | Explaining for ages is not as effective as letting him see it for himself once. |
与其...不如... Structure for Suggestion
不如 suggestion.
与其 + Option A, 不如 + Option B
与其在这里等，不如我们先去买杯咖啡。 | Yǔqí zài zhèlǐ děng, bùrú wǒmen xiān qù mǎi bēi kāfēi. | Rather than wait here, it's better that we go buy coffee first. |
与其跟他们争论，不如用数据说话。 | Yǔqí gēn tāmen zhēnglùn, bùrú yòng shùjù shuōhuà. | Rather than argue with them, it's better to use data to make the point. |
与其将来后悔，不如现在就努力。 | Yǔqí jiānglái hòuhuǐ, bùrú xiànzài jiù nǔlì. | Rather than regret it in the future, it's better to work hard now. |
When To Use It
不如 is key to sounding natural and making your point effectively. Its use cases are distinct and tied to specific conversational or written goals.- Making Subjective Evaluations: This is the primary use case. Use it to give your opinion on art, food, technology, experiences, or any topic where personal taste is a factor. In a product review, you might write:
新版本的用户界面不如旧版本直观(Xīn bǎnběn de yònghù jièmiàn bùrú jiù bǎnběn zhíguān - The new version's UI is not as intuitive as the old one's). When discussing a movie with a friend, you could say:我觉得续集不如第一部好看(Wǒ juéde xùjí bùrú dì yī bù hǎokàn - I feel the sequel isn't as good as the first one).
- Proposing a Better Alternative: Use
不如to pivot a conversation or plan toward a more desirable outcome. If a meeting is running long and becoming unproductive, you could suggest:今天讨论不出结果，不如我们明天再继续？(Jīntiān tǎolùn bù chū jiéguǒ, bùrú wǒmen míngtiān zài jìxù? - We're not getting a result from today's discussion, might we as well continue tomorrow?). This is a polite but firm way to change course.
- Self-Deprecation and Humility: In Chinese culture, expressing humility is often a sign of good manners.
不如can be used to politely downplay one's own abilities when receiving a compliment. If someone praises your calligraphy, a traditional response might be:哪里哪里，我写得还差得远，不如您写得好(Nǎlǐ nǎlǐ, wǒ xiě dé hái chà dé yuǎn, bùrú nín xiě dé hǎo - Not at all, my writing is still far off, not as good as yours).
- Formal vs. Informal Contexts: The
与其 A, 不如 Bstructure is well-suited for formal writing, business proposals, and persuasive arguments because it clearly lays out the logic of choosing one option over another. The simplerA 不如 Bform is extremely common in all registers, from casual texting with friends to semi-formal discussions. For example, a text message might read这家味道不如上次那家啊(Zhè jiā wèidào bùrú shàng cì nà jiā a - The flavor at this place isn't as good as the last place, huh).
Common Mistakes
不如. Avoiding them is crucial for clear and correct communication.- Incorrect:
这个设计不如那个不方便。(Zhège shèjì bùrú nàge bù fāngbiàn.*) - Correct:
这个设计不如那个方便。(Zhège shèjì bùrú nàge fāngbiàn.) - This design is not as convenient as that one.
不如 with 没有没有 is for objective, measurable facts, while 不如 is for subjective, qualitative judgments. Mixing them up is a clear sign of a non-native speaker.A 没有 B + Adj | Objective, Factual, Measurable | 上海冬天没有哈尔滨冷。 (Shànghǎi dōngtiān méiyǒu Hā'ěrbīn lěng.) - Shanghai's winter is not as cold as Harbin's. (A statement of temperature.) |A 不如 B + Adj | Subjective, Judgmental, Qualitative | 上海的冬天不如北京的冬天有意思。 (Shànghǎi de dōngtiān bùrú Běijīng de dōngtiān yǒuyìsi.) - Shanghai's winter is not as interesting as Beijing's. (A statement of opinion/feeling.) |不如 is generally not modified by standard degree adverbs like 很 (hěn), 太 (tài), or 非常 (fēicháng).- Incorrect:
他很不如我。(Tā hěn bùrú wǒ.*) - Correct: He is not as good as me. (
他不如我。)
远 (yuǎn) or 远远 (yuǎnyuǎn), both meaning "far from." 他的表现远远不如预期 (Tā de biǎoxiàn yuǎnyuǎn bùrú yùqī - His performance was far from what was expected).Common Collocations
不如 more fluently and naturally. These fixed phrases are frequently used by native speakers.远远不如(yuǎnyuǎn bùrú): Far inferior to; not nearly as good as. This is the standard way to emphasize a significant gap in quality.这家公司提供的薪水远远不如上一家。(Zhè jiā gōngsī tígōng de xīnshuǐ yuǎnyuǎn bùrú shàng yījiā. - The salary offered by this company is not nearly as good as the last one.)
倒不如(dàobùrú): Might as well; it would be better to. The倒(dào) adds a sense of reversal or highlights a counter-intuitive but better option. It implies that the suggested action is contrary to the current path but is superior.与其花时间担心，倒不如马上开始行动。(Yǔqí huā shíjiān dānxīn, dàobùrú mǎshàng kāishǐ xíngdòng. - Rather than spending time worrying, it would be better to start taking action right away.)
**`A 不如 B 来得
Adj/Verb`
** A is not as (adj/verb) as B. The inclusion of 来得 (láide) adds a layer of emphasis, focusing on the resultant state or quality. It is a slightly more sophisticated and emphatic structure. 走路去不如坐地铁来得快。 (Zǒulù qù bùrú zuò dìtiě láide kuài. - Walking there is not as fast as taking the subway.)
Quick FAQ
不如 (bùrú) and 比不上 (bǐbushàng)?Both indicate inferiority, but 比不上 implies a much larger, often insurmountable gap. 比不上 means "cannot compare with" or "is not in the same league as." 不如 is a more general, everyday judgment of being "not as good as." You would say 外卖不如妈妈做的菜好吃 (takeout isn't as tasty as mom's cooking), but to be more emphatic, you'd say 外卖的味道永远比不上妈妈做的菜 (the taste of takeout can never compare to mom's cooking).
不如 be used in questions?Yes, most often in rhetorical questions to express indignation or disbelief. For example: 难道我努力了这么久，还不如一个新人吗？ (Nándào wǒ nǔlìle zhème jiǔ, hái bùrú yīgè xīnrén ma? - You mean to tell me after all my hard work, I'm still not as good as a newcomer?). For genuine information-seeking, other patterns are more common.
A 不如 B 一样好 (A bùrú B yīyàng hǎo)?No, this is a common mistake. It is redundant. 不如 already incorporates the meaning of "not as...as." 一样 (yīyàng) means "the same," so the phrase becomes illogical. The correct and concise way is simply A 不如 B 好.
不如 always imply a strong negative feeling like dislike?Not necessarily. It simply means one option is less good than another. Option A might be perfectly acceptable on its own, but B is just better. For instance, 这家咖啡店还不错，但不如街角那家安静 (Zhè jiā kāfēidiàn hái bùcuò, dàn bùrú jiējiǎo nà jiā ānjìng) means "This coffee shop is pretty good, but it's not as quiet as the one on the corner." It doesn't mean you dislike the first shop.
不如 trace back to Classical Chinese?In Classical Chinese, 如 (rú) was a common verb meaning "to be like," "to equal," or even "to go to." The structure 不如 directly meant "is not equal to" and was used for comparisons of status, ability, or quality. Its function as a comparative marker has remained remarkably consistent, transitioning directly into modern Mandarin. This deep historical root is why it feels integral to the language.
不如 to compare abstract concepts?Absolutely. 不如 is excellent for comparing abstract nouns, ideas, and situations. For example: 口头承诺不如白纸黑字 (Kǒutóu chéngnuò bùrú báizhǐhēizì - A verbal promise is not as good as a written contract, lit. 'white paper, black words'). This flexibility is one of its key strengths.
Formation of {不如|bùrú} Comparisons
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic
|
A + 不如 + B
|
他不如我
|
|
Adjectival
|
A + 不如 + B + Adj
|
这不如那好
|
|
Suggestive
|
不如 + Verb
|
不如走吧
|
|
Formal
|
与其 A, 不如 B
|
与其等，不如走
|
|
Negative
|
A + 不如 + B + 那么 + Adj
|
他不如此刻那么好
|
|
Question
|
A + 不如 + B + 吗?
|
这不如那好吗?
|
Meanings
A comparative structure used to indicate that the subject does not reach the level of the object.
Direct Comparison
Stating A is inferior to B.
“他{不如|bùrú}我努力。”
“坐火车{不如|bùrú}坐飞机快。”
Suggestive
Used to propose an alternative action.
“{不如|bùrú}我们明天去吧。”
“{不如|bùrú}喝咖啡吧。”
Idiomatic
Used in set phrases like {不如|bùrú}意 (not as one wishes).
“事与愿违，{不如|bùrú}意。”
“生活总有{不如|bùrú}意的地方。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
A + 不如 + B
|
他不如我
|
|
Adjective
|
A + 不如 + B + Adj
|
这不如那便宜
|
|
Suggestive
|
不如 + Verb
|
不如去吃饭
|
|
Formal
|
与其 A 不如 B
|
与其买不如租
|
|
Question
|
A + 不如 + B 吗?
|
这不如那好吗?
|
|
Negative
|
A + 不如 + B + 那么 + Adj
|
他不如此刻那么忙
|
Formality Spectrum
此方案不如彼方案。 (Business meeting)
这个方案不如那个方案好。 (Business meeting)
这个方案没那个好。 (Business meeting)
这个方案差远了。 (Business meeting)
Functions of {不如|bùrú}
Usage
- Comparison A < B
- Suggestion Why not...?
- Idiom Not as wished
Examples by Level
这个{不如|bùrú}那个。
This is not as good as that.
{不如|bùrú}我们走吧。
Why don't we go?
他{不如|bùrú}我。
He is not as good as me.
这{不如|bùrú}那。
This is not as good as that.
坐车{不如|bùrú}坐飞机快。
Taking a car is not as fast as taking a plane.
{不如|bùrú}明天去吧。
Why don't we go tomorrow?
这件衣服{不如|bùrú}那件漂亮。
This dress is not as pretty as that one.
我的中文{不如|bùrú}你的好。
My Chinese is not as good as yours.
这里的菜{不如|bùrú}那家店好吃。
The food here is not as tasty as that restaurant.
{不如|bùrú}我们先吃饭，再看电影。
Why don't we eat first, then watch a movie?
他的能力{不如|bùrú}以前了。
His ability is not as good as it used to be.
这方案{不如|bùrú}那个方案可行。
This plan is not as feasible as that one.
与其等待，{不如|bùrú}现在行动。
Rather than waiting, it is better to act now.
这结果确实{不如|bùrú}人意。
This result is indeed not as good as people expected.
他的表现{不如|bùrú}预期。
His performance is not as good as expected.
{不如|bùrú}我们重新考虑一下。
Why don't we reconsider?
此举{不如|bùrú}彼举明智。
This action is not as wise as that one.
生活总有{不如|bùrú}意之处。
Life always has parts that are not as one wishes.
与其抱怨，{不如|bùrú}改变。
Rather than complaining, it is better to change.
其质量{不如|bùrú}前代产品。
Its quality is not as good as the previous generation product.
世事常{不如|bùrú}人意，唯有坦然面对。
Worldly affairs are often not as one wishes; one can only face them calmly.
此方案之效用{不如|bùrú}彼方案显著。
The effectiveness of this plan is not as significant as that one.
与其空谈，{不如|bùrú}实干。
Rather than empty talk, it is better to take practical action.
此物之价值{不如|bùrú}其历史意义。
The value of this object is not as great as its historical significance.
Easily Confused
Both express inferiority.
Common Mistakes
A 不如 B 很好
A 不如 B 好
A 不如 B 是好
A 不如 B 好
A 不如 B 那么好
A 不如 B 好
不如我们去吧
不如我们去吧
Sentence Patterns
___ 不如 ___
___ 不如 ___ [Adjective]
不如 ___ [Verb]
与其 ___ 不如 ___
Real World Usage
不如我们明天去？
这手机不如那款好用。
我的经验不如他丰富。
坐火车不如坐飞机。
这家不如那家好吃。
此数据不如预期。
Avoid Intensifiers
Not for everything
Suggestive usage
Politeness
Smart Tips
Use {不如|bùrú} for a more natural, concise comparison.
Start your sentence with {不如|bùrú} to sound like a native speaker.
Use {不如|bùrú} instead of '没有' for professional comparisons.
If you want to say something is inferior, {不如|bùrú} is your best friend.
Pronunciation
Tone change
Bù is 4th tone, but becomes 2nd tone before another 4th tone.
Falling
A 不如 B ↓
Definitive statement
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'bù' (no) + 'rú' (reach). If you don't reach the target, you are 'not as good as' it.
Visual Association
Imagine a race where Runner A is behind Runner B. A sign above them says 'Bùrú'.
Rhyme
Bùrú is the way to say, A is not as good as B today.
Story
Xiao Wang wanted to buy a phone. He looked at Phone A and Phone B. He realized Phone A was cheaper but 'bùrú' Phone B in quality. He decided, 'bùrú' buy Phone B instead.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences comparing your favorite foods using {不如|bùrú}.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in both formal and informal contexts.
Similar usage, often used in casual suggestions.
Often translates to '不如' in written Chinese.
Derived from classical Chinese, where 'bu' (not) and 'ru' (to reach/equal) combined.
Conversation Starters
你觉得这个电影怎么样？
我们周末去哪儿？
你觉得这份工作如何？
你对这个产品有什么评价？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
这件衣服 ___ 那件好看。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
这不如那很贵。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
This is not as good as that.
Answer starts with: 这不如...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use '不如' to compare two cars.
___ 重新考虑一下。
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises这件衣服 ___ 那件好看。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
这不如那很贵。
我们/不如/去/吃饭
This is not as good as that.
Match '不如' usage.
Use '不如' to compare two cars.
___ 重新考虑一下。
Score: /8
Practice Bank
11 exercises_____ 抱怨，不如自己解决问题。
那台 / 不如 / 这台 / 电脑 / 快
Walking isn't as fast as taking the subway.
Which sentence means 'We might as well go home'?
他打篮球不如他踢足球很好。
外面下雨了，我们 _____ 在家看电影吧。
行动 / 与其 / 不如 / 等待
His English is not as good as mine.
Select the sentence based on personal feeling:
这件衣服不如那件便宜。
_____ 把时间浪费在游戏上，不如多读几本书。
Score: /11
FAQ (8)
No, never use intensifiers like '很' or '非常' in the comparative clause.
It can be both formal and informal depending on the context.
比 is for 'more than', 不如 is for 'less than'.
Yes, place it at the start of the sentence.
Use A 不如 B.
Yes, it is very common in written Chinese.
Yes, e.g., '他不如我'.
Yes, like '不如意'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
no tan bueno como
Spanish lacks the suggestive usage.
pas aussi bon que
French does not use it for suggestions.
nicht so gut wie
German uses 'nicht so' for comparisons.
〜ほど〜ない
Japanese structure is strictly post-positional.
ليس بجودة
Arabic grammar is more complex regarding gender/number.
不如
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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