A2 Comparisons 10 min read Easy

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

To specify a difference, place '一点儿', '多了', or specific quantities after the adjective in the '比' structure.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To say 'how much' more someone or something is, add the specific amount (like 'a little' or 'three years') after the comparison.

  • Use 'A 比 B + [Adjective] + [Amount]' for specific differences: {他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {高|gāo} {五|wǔ} {厘米|límǐ} (He is 5cm taller than me).
  • Use '一点儿' (a little) or '得多/多了' (a lot) for non-specific amounts: {这|zhè} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {贵|guì} {得多|de duō} (This is much more expensive than that).
  • Never put the amount before the adjective; it must follow the adjective or the verb phrase.
A + 比 + B + Adjective + Amount/Degree

Overview

Comparing two entities is a fundamental aspect of human language. In Chinese, the basic comparative structure A 比 B + Adjective establishes that entity A possesses a certain quality to a greater degree than entity B. For instance, 我比你高 (Wǒ bǐ nǐ gāo) states “I am taller than you.” However, effective communication often requires more than a simple declaration of difference; it demands precision.

This grammar rule, Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree), empowers you to quantify the exact extent of that difference, moving beyond a general comparison to a specific measurement.

The linguistic rationale behind placing the degree of difference after the adjective in Chinese stems from the language's tendency to present core information first, followed by modifiers or complements. The adjective (高, 快, 贵) establishes what is being compared. The subsequent degree expression (一点儿, 多了, 三岁) then specifies by how much that quality differs.

This structure contrasts with English, where expressions like "three years older" place the degree before the adjective. Mastering this distinction is crucial for both accurate comprehension and natural production of Chinese. It transforms your comparisons from merely descriptive to definitively quantitative, reflecting a more nuanced understanding of relationships between objects or people.

This pattern is not merely an advanced stylistic choice; it is integral to everyday communication. Whether you are discussing prices, ages, speeds, or temperature, the ability to articulate the precise degree of difference is essential for clarity and often for cultural fluency. In many contexts, particularly when negotiating or making practical decisions, native Chinese speakers value and expect this level of specificity.

It enables clear communication and avoids ambiguity in real-world scenarios.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, the 比 + Degree pattern is an extension of the simple A 比 B + Adjective structure. It involves appending a complement of degree directly after the adjective in the comparison. This complement specifies the magnitude of the difference.
There are three primary ways to express this degree:
  • Vague Small Difference: Used when the difference is minor and not precisely quantifiable, conveying “a little bit” or “slightly.”
  • Vague Large Difference: Employed when the difference is substantial, indicating “much” or “a lot.”
  • Precise Numeric Difference: Utilized for exact, measurable differences, involving specific numbers and measure words.
The defining characteristic of this grammatical pattern is the fixed position of the degree complement. It must always appear directly after the adjective and at the end of the comparative clause. This word order is strict and deviates significantly from English, where the degree might precede the adjective (e.g., “a little bit older”).
In Chinese, the adjective functions as the predicate, and the degree expression modifies or quantifies that predicate, similar to how a resultative complement functions. This post-adjective placement provides a clear, unambiguous statement of the differing quality before quantifying its extent.
Consider the sentence 他比我高三厘米 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo sān límǐ). Here, 高 (gāo, tall) is the adjective indicating the quality of height, and 三厘米 (sān límǐ, three centimeters) is the precise degree of difference. This arrangement clearly states that he is taller and then by how much.
Attempting to place 三厘米 elsewhere would result in ungrammatical or confusing sentences. This consistent placement is key to mastering this pattern and avoiding common learner errors, as it establishes a predictable and logical flow for expressing quantified comparisons.

Formation Pattern

1
This grammar pattern follows a consistent structure, with variations in the degree complement depending on the precision and magnitude of the difference you wish to convey. The fundamental form is: A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + Degree Complement.
2
Below are the specific formation patterns:
3
Vague Small Difference
4
Use these expressions when the difference is minor and not numerically specified. They convey a sense of 'a bit' or 'slightly'.
5
| Structure | Meaning | Example Sentence | Pinyin and English Translation |
6
| :----------------------------------------------- | :---------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------- |
7
| A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr) | A is a bit/slightly more Adjective than B | 这件衣服比那件大一点儿。 | Zhè jiàn yīfu bǐ nà jiàn dà yīdiǎnr. (This piece of clothing is a bit bigger than that one.) |
8
| A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + 一些 (yīxiē) | A is a bit/slightly more Adjective than B | 今天比昨天冷一些。 | Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān lěng yīxiē. (Today is a bit colder than yesterday.) |
9
Note: 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr) is generally more common in spoken Chinese, especially in northern dialects, while 一些 (yīxiē) can feel slightly more formal but is widely understood. Both are largely interchangeable for conveying a small, vague difference.
10
Vague Large Difference
11
These expressions are used when the difference is significant and not numerically specified, conveying 'much more' or 'a lot more'.
12
| Structure | Meaning | Example Sentence | Pinyin and English Translation |
13
| :----------------------------------------------- | :--------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------ | :------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
14
| A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + 多了 (duōle) | A is much more Adjective than B | 他比我高多了。 | Tā bǐ wǒ gāo duōle. (He is much taller than me.) |
15
| A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + 得多 (deduō) | A is much more Adjective than B | 这里的夏天比老家热得多。 | Zhèlǐ de xiàtiān bǐ lǎojiā rè deduō. (The summer here is much hotter than back home.) |
16
Note: Both 多了 (duōle) and 得多 (deduō) indicate a large difference. 得多 (deduō) often carries a slightly stronger emphasis or a more definitive sense of a substantial difference. The 得 particle here functions as a structural particle linking the adjective to its degree complement, similar to how it's used in verb + 得 + complement structures.
17
Precise Numeric Difference
18
This is used when the difference can be quantified exactly, requiring a number followed by an appropriate measure word (or sometimes just a number if the measure word is implied by context or the noun itself, like 岁 (suì) for age).
19
| Structure | Meaning | Example Sentence | Pinyin and English Translation |
20
| :------------------------------------------------------ | :---------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
21
| A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + Number + Measure Word | A is (Number + MW) more Adjective than B | 这辆车比那辆贵五千块。 | Zhè liàng chē bǐ nà liàng guì wǔqiān kuài. (This car is 5000 kuai more expensive than that one.) |
22
| A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + Number + (Noun with inherent measure) | A is (Number + Noun) more Adjective than B | 我哥哥比我大三岁。 | Wǒ gēge bǐ wǒ dà sān suì. (My older brother is three years older than me.) |
23
| A + 比 (bǐ) + B + Adjective + Percentage (e.g., 百分之十) | A is (Percentage) more Adjective than B | 今年的销售额比去年增长了百分之二十。 | Jīnniān de xiāoshòu'é bǐ qùnián zēngzhǎng le bǎifēnzhī'èrshí. (This year's sales increased by 20% compared to last year.) |
24
Important: The measure word must correspond to the item or unit being measured (e.g., 块 (kuài) for money, 岁 (suì) for years of age, 斤 (jīn) for weight, 厘米 (límǐ) for length, 度 (dù) for temperature). Ensure the number and measure word collectively represent a quantity of difference, not the absolute value of A.
25
Intensifying the Comparison (更 or 还)
26
You can add 更 (gèng) (even more) or 还 (hái) (still/even more) before the adjective to emphasize that A is even more of a certain quality than B, while still retaining the degree complement at the end.
27
A + 比 (bǐ) + B + 更 (gèng) / 还 (hái) + Adjective + Degree Complement
28
Example: 今天比昨天更冷一点儿。 (Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān gèng lěng yīdiǎnr.) - Today is even a bit colder than yesterday.
29
Example: 她的汉语比我学得还好。 (Tā de Hànyǔ bǐ wǒ xué de hái hǎo.) - Her Chinese is even better than mine (lit. She learns Chinese even better than me by a certain degree, although the degree isn't specified with an explicit complement here, the implication is still there.)

When To Use It

The 比 + Degree pattern is indispensable in a vast array of daily situations where precision in comparison is valued. It allows for detailed communication, moving beyond generic statements to provide concrete data and observations.
  • Quantifying Differences in Price: When shopping or discussing finances, expressing exact price differences is very common. 这个手机比那个贵八百块。 (Zhège shǒujī bǐ nàge guì bābǎi kuài.) - This phone is 800 kuai more expensive than that one. Or, 这杯咖啡比茶贵一点儿。 (Zhèi bēi kāfēi bǐ chá guì yīdiǎnr.) - This cup of coffee is a bit more expensive than the tea.
  • Stating Age Differences: Age is a significant social marker in Chinese culture, and knowing or stating age differences precisely is very natural. 我妹妹比我小两岁。 (Wǒ mèimei bǐ wǒ xiǎo liǎng suì.) - My younger sister is two years younger than me.
  • Describing Physical Attributes: For height, weight, or other measurable physical traits, this pattern provides clarity. 他比我高半个头。 (Tā bǐ wǒ gāo bàn ge tóu.) - He is half a head taller than me (a common idiomatic expression for height difference).
  • Comparing Performance or Results: In academic, athletic, or professional contexts, quantifying how much better or worse someone performed is critical. 我们队比他们队少得了十分。 (Wǒmen duì bǐ tāmen duì shǎo dé le shí fēn.) - Our team scored ten points less than their team. 他比我跑得快多了。 (Tā bǐ wǒ pǎo de kuài duōle.) - He runs much faster than I do.
  • Expressing Differences in Time or Speed: Whether it's travel time, meeting schedules, or task completion, precise time comparisons are frequent. 我们比计划提前了十五分钟。 (Wǒmen bǐ jìhuà tíqián le shíwǔ fēnzhōng.) - We are fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.
  • Comparing Climate or Environmental Conditions: Discussing temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors often benefits from this precise comparison. 今天比昨天热五度。 (Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān rè wǔ dù.) - Today is five degrees hotter than yesterday.
  • Modern Usage and Cultural Insights: In digital communication (texting, social media), the brevity of this structure makes it highly efficient. For example, 新iPhone比旧款薄了1mm (Xīn iPhone bǐ jiùkuǎn báo le yī háomǐ) - The new iPhone is 1mm thinner than the old model. This showcases the cultural preference for factual, quantifiable data in many discussions, especially in consumer tech. Culturally, while direct comparisons might sometimes be avoided in sensitive social contexts, the ability to articulate a difference precisely without exaggeration is often seen as a sign of clear thinking and respect for facts. It allows for objective comparison without necessarily implying judgment, a nuanced distinction important in politeness.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when employing the 比 + Degree pattern, often due to interference from English grammar or misinterpretation of Chinese sentence structure. Identifying and understanding the underlying reasons for these errors is crucial for correction.
  • Inserting Intensifiers with 比 (bǐ): A pervasive error is using adverbs like 很 (hěn) (very) or 非常 (fēicháng) (extremely) before the adjective in a 比 (bǐ) sentence. For example, *他比我很高。 This is incorrect. The 比 (bǐ) structure itself already establishes a comparative relationship, making additional intensifiers redundant and grammatically awkward. In Chinese, an adjective modified by 很 (hěn) generally functions as a simple statement of fact (e.g., 他很高 - He is tall), not a comparison. When expressing a large difference, use 多了 (duōle) or 得多 (deduō) at the end of the sentence, not 很 (hěn) before the adjective.
  • Incorrect: *这件衣服比那件很贵。
  • Correct: 这件衣服比那件贵多了。 (Zhè jiàn yīfu bǐ nà jiàn guì duōle.) - This piece of clothing is much more expensive than that one.
  • Incorrect Placement of the Degree Complement: The degree complement (e.g., 一点儿, 三岁, 五千块) must always follow the adjective. Placing it before the adjective or elsewhere in the sentence is a common mistake that renders the sentence ungrammatical. For instance, *他比我三岁大 is incorrect. The quality (大 - older) must be stated before its quantification (三岁 - three years).
  • Incorrect: *今天比昨天一些冷。
  • Correct: 今天比昨天冷一些。 (Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān lěng yīxiē.) - Today is a bit colder than yesterday.
  • Confusing 一点儿 (yīdiǎnr) with 一点 (yīdiǎn): While 一点 (yīdiǎn) can mean

Comparative Structure Table

Subject 比 Object Adjective Amount/Degree
他
比
我
高
五厘米
这
比
那
贵
十块
今天
比
昨天
冷
一点儿
他
比
我
跑得
快多了
这
比
那
大
两倍
我
比
他
早
十分钟

Meanings

This structure allows you to quantify the difference between two items being compared, moving beyond simple 'A is taller than B' to 'A is 5cm taller than B'.

1

Specific Measurement

Using exact units like time, length, or currency.

“{这|zhè} {条|tiáo} {路|lù} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {条|tiáo} {长|cháng} {两|liǎng} {公里|gōnglǐ}.”

“{他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {早|zǎo} {到|dào} {十|shí} {分钟|fēnzhōng}.”

2

Vague Degree

Using general intensifiers like 'a little' or 'a lot'.

“{今天|jīntiān} {比|bǐ} {昨天|zuótiān} {冷|lěng} {一点儿|yìdiǎnr}.”

“{这|zhè} {个|gè} {问题|wèntí} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {个|gè} {难|nán} {得多|de duō}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
A + 比 + B + Adj + Amount
他比我高五厘米
Vague Degree
A + 比 + B + Adj + 一点儿
这比那贵一点儿
Large Degree
A + 比 + B + Adj + 多了
这比那好多了
Negative
A + 没有 + B + Adj
他没有我高
Question
A + 比 + B + Adj + 多少?
这比那贵多少?
Verb Comparison
A + 比 + B + Verb + Amount
他比我多吃两个

Formality Spectrum

Formal
此物较彼物便宜十元。

此物较彼物便宜十元。 (Shopping)

Neutral
这比那便宜十块。

这比那便宜十块。 (Shopping)

Informal
这比那便宜十块钱。

这比那便宜十块钱。 (Shopping)

Slang
这比那便宜十块大洋。

这比那便宜十块大洋。 (Shopping)

Comparative Components

比 (Comparison)

Subject

  • 我 I

Object

  • 你 You

Adjective

  • 高 Tall

Amount

  • 五厘米 5cm
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ} {比|bǐ} {你|nǐ} {大|dà} {一|yī} {岁|suì}.

I am one year older than you.

2

{这|zhè} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {贵|guì} {十|shí} {块|kuài}.

This is 10 yuan more expensive than that.

3

{他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {高|gāo} {一点儿|yìdiǎnr}.

He is a little taller than me.

4

{今天|jīntiān} {比|bǐ} {昨天|zuótiān} {热|rè} {多了|duōle}.

Today is much hotter than yesterday.

1

{这|zhè} {条|tiáo} {路|lù} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {条|tiáo} {短|duǎn} {五|wǔ} {公里|gōnglǐ}.

This road is 5km shorter than that one.

2

{他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {早|zǎo} {到|dào} {半|bàn} {个|gè} {小时|xiǎoshí}.

He arrived half an hour earlier than me.

3

{这|zhè} {本|běn} {书|shū} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {本|běn} {厚|hòu} {很多|hěnduō}.

This book is much thicker than that one.

4

{我|wǒ} {比|bǐ} {他|tā} {多|duō} {吃|chī} {了|le} {两|liǎng} {个|gè} {苹果|píngguǒ}.

I ate two more apples than him.

1

{今年|jīnnián} {的|de} {收入|shōurù} {比|bǐ} {去年|qùnián} {增长|zēngzhǎng} {了|le} {百分之十|bǎifēnzhīshí}.

This year's income grew by 10% compared to last year.

2

{这|zhè} {台|tái} {电脑|diànnǎo} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {台|tái} {快|kuài} {不少|bùshǎo}.

This computer is quite a bit faster than that one.

3

{他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {多|duō} {跑|pǎo} {了|le} {五|wǔ} {公里|gōnglǐ}.

He ran 5km more than I did.

4

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {方案|fāng'àn} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {个|gè} {好|hǎo} {得多|de duō}.

This plan is much better than that one.

1

{这|zhè} {次|cì} {考试|kǎoshì} {比|bǐ} {上|shàng} {次|cì} {难|nán} {了|le} {不止|bùzhǐ} {一|yī} {点点|diǎndiǎn}.

This exam is more than just a little bit harder than the last one.

2

{他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {大|dà} {整整|zhěngzhěng} {十|shí} {岁|suì}.

He is a full ten years older than me.

3

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {材料|cáiliào} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {种|zhǒng} {轻|qīng} {百分之二十|bǎifēnzhīèrshí}.

This material is 20% lighter than that one.

4

{这|zhè} {里|lǐ} {的|de} {气温|qìwēn} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {里|lǐ} {低|dī} {了|le} {五|wǔ} {度|dù}.

The temperature here is 5 degrees lower than there.

1

{这|zhè} {项|xiàng} {技术|jìshù} {比|bǐ} {传统|chuántǒng} {方法|fāngfǎ} {效率|xiàolǜ} {高|gāo} {出|chū} {三|sān} {倍|bèi}.

This technology is three times more efficient than traditional methods.

2

{他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {早|zǎo} {到|dào} {了|le} {足足|zúzú} {一|yī} {个|gè} {小时|xiǎoshí}.

He arrived a full hour earlier than me.

3

{这|zhè} {个|gè} {决定|juédìng} {比|bǐ} {之前|zhīqián} {的|de} {任何|rènhé} {决定|juédìng} {都|dōu} {更|gèng} {具|jù} {挑战性|tiǎozhànxìng}.

This decision is more challenging than any previous one.

4

{这|zhè} {部|bù} {电影|diànyǐng} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {部|bù} {深刻|shēnkè} {得多|de duō}.

This film is much more profound than that one.

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {解释|jiěshì} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {种|zhǒng} {更|gèng} {具|jù} {说服力|shuōfúlì} {几|jǐ} {分|fēn}.

This explanation is somewhat more persuasive than that one.

2

{他|tā} {比|bǐ} {我|wǒ} {年长|niánzhǎng} {十|shí} {载|zǎi} {之|zhī} {久|jiǔ}.

He is ten long years my senior.

3

{这|zhè} {项|xiàng} {改革|gǎigé} {比|bǐ} {预期|yùqī} {提前|tíqián} {了|le} {半年|bànnián} {完成|wánchéng}.

This reform was completed half a year ahead of schedule.

4

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {观点|guāndiǎn} {比|bǐ} {那|nà} {种|zhǒng} {更|gèng} {符合|fúhé} {逻辑|luójí} {一些|yīxiē}.

This viewpoint is somewhat more logical than that one.

Easily Confused

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

Learners mix up the direction of comparison.

Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree) vs 一点儿 vs 有点儿

Both sound similar but have different functions.

Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree) vs 多了 vs 很多

Both mean 'a lot'.

Common Mistakes

✗

他五厘米比我高

✓

他比我高五厘米

Amount must follow the adjective.
✗

他比我很高

✓

他比我高

Do not use 'hen' in comparisons.
✗

这比那贵多

✓

这比那贵多了

Need 'le' for state change.
✗

他比我高五岁

✓

他比我大五岁

Use 'da' for age, not 'gao'.
✗

这比那便宜十块钱

✓

这比那便宜十块

Often 'qian' is dropped in casual speech.
✗

他没有我高五厘米

✓

他没有我高

Usually we don't quantify negative comparisons.
✗

这比那更贵十块

✓

这比那贵十块

Don't use 'geng' with specific amounts.
✗

他比我跑得快五分钟

✓

他比我快跑了五分钟

Verb complement structure is tricky.
✗

这比那好很多

✓

这比那好得多

Use 'de duo' for degree.
✗

他比我多吃两个苹果

✓

他比我多吃了两个苹果

Need 'le' for completed action.
✗

这比那效率高三倍

✓

这比那效率高出三倍

Use 'gao chu' for formal comparison.
✗

他比我年长十岁之久

✓

他比我年长十岁

Redundant 'zhi jiu'.
✗

这比那更具挑战性一点

✓

这比那更具挑战性

Avoid mixing intensifiers.

Sentence Patterns

___ 比 ___ ___ ___.

___ 没有 ___ ___.

___ 比 ___ 多 ___ ___.

___ 比 ___ ___ ___ ___.

Real World Usage

Shopping very common

这比那便宜十块。

Travel common

坐火车比坐飞机慢三个小时。

Texting very common

我比你早到十分钟！

Job Interview common

我的经验比他多三年。

Food Delivery common

这家的菜比那家辣多了。

Social Media common

今天比昨天开心多了！

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💡

No 'Hen'

Never use 'hen' in a 'bi' sentence. It is grammatically incorrect.
⚠️

Amount Placement

Always put the amount after the adjective, never before.
🎯

Use 'le' for change

When using 'duo le', always include 'le' to show the change in state.
💬

Softening

Use 'yi dian' to soften your comparisons so you don't sound too blunt.

Smart Tips

Visualize the scale to remember the order.

我高比你 → 我比你高

Place the number at the very end of the phrase.

他五岁比我大 → 他比我大五岁

Use 'duo le' instead of 'hen duo'.

这比那很贵 → 这比那贵多了

Put the 'bi' phrase before the verb.

他跑快比我 → 他比我跑得快

Pronunciation

bee-ee

比 (bǐ)

Third tone, emphasize the dip.

Comparative

A 比 B 高 | 五厘米 ↑

Rising pitch on the amount to emphasize the difference.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '比' as a balance scale. The subject is on one side, the object on the other, and the amount is the weight added to balance the scale.

Visual Association

Imagine two people standing on a giant scale. One person is clearly taller, and a floating '5cm' sign is hovering between them.

Rhyme

比字句，记心间，量词放在形容后，千万别在前面连。

Story

Xiao Ming is buying apples. He sees two bags. He says, 'This bag is 2kg heavier than that one.' The shopkeeper smiles because Xiao Ming used the correct grammar.

Word Web

比多少一点儿多了厘米岁块

Challenge

Find three objects in your room and compare their sizes or prices using the '比' structure out loud.

Cultural Notes

Comparisons are very direct in business, but often softened in social settings.

The character '比' originally depicted two people standing side-by-side, representing comparison.

Conversation Starters

“

你比你朋友高吗？

“

今天比昨天冷吗？

“

你觉得中文比英文难吗？

“

你认为大城市比小城市好吗？

Journal Prompts

Compare your current city with your hometown.
Compare your favorite two books.
Write about a recent purchase.
Discuss the difference between two jobs you've had.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

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'.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

a) 他五厘米比我高 b) 他比我高五厘米

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Amount follows adjective.
Correct the sentence: 他比我很高。 Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他比我高

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他比我高
Remove 'hen'.
Reorder: 比 / 我 / 高 / 他 / 五厘米 Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他比我高五厘米
Standard structure.
Translate: This is 10 yuan cheaper. Translation

这比那便宜十块

Answer starts with: 这比那...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这比那便宜十块
Correct structure.
Build a sentence with: 今天, 昨天, 冷, 5度 Sentence Building

今天比昨天冷5度

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 今天比昨天冷5度
Correct structure.
Match the amount to the adjective. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
Logical matching.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

a) 他比我多吃两个苹果 b) 他多吃两个苹果比我

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct verb comparison.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
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'.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

a) 他五厘米比我高 b) 他比我高五厘米

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Amount follows adjective.
Correct the sentence: 他比我很高。 Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

他比我高

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他比我高
Remove 'hen'.
Reorder: 比 / 我 / 高 / 他 / 五厘米 Sentence Reorder

他比我高五厘米

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他比我高五厘米
Standard structure.
Translate: This is 10 yuan cheaper. Translation

这比那便宜十块

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 这比那便宜十块
Correct structure.
Build a sentence with: 今天, 昨天, 冷, 5度 Sentence Building

今天比昨天冷5度

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 今天比昨天冷5度
Correct structure.
Match the amount to the adjective. Match Pairs

1. 高 2. 贵 3. 远 | a. 10块 b. 5厘米 c. 2公里

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
Logical matching.
Which is correct? Multiple Choice

a) 他比我多吃两个苹果 b) 他多吃两个苹果比我

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct verb comparison.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Say 'a little bit' using 'some'. Fill in the Blank

他的汉语比我好___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 一些
Reorder to say: 'I am three years older than my younger brother.' Sentence Reorder

我 / 比 / 大 / 三岁 / 弟弟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我比弟弟大三岁
Translate: This coffee is much tastier than that one. Translation

这杯咖啡比那杯___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 好喝得多
Select the correct pattern for specific differences. Multiple Choice

A is 10 RMB more than B.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A 比 B 贵十块。
Fix the word order. Error Correction

妹妹比我十厘米矮。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 妹妹比我矮十厘米。
Match the English to the Chinese degree ending. Match Pairs

Match the meanings:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A bit -> 一点儿
Complete the sentence: 'Today is 5 degrees colder than yesterday.' Fill in the Blank

今天比昨天冷___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 五度
Reorder: 'My house is much larger than his.' Sentence Reorder

我的家 / 比 / 大 / 他的 / 得多

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我的家比他的大得多
Translate: He is a bit faster than me. Translation

他比我___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 快一点儿
Which expresses a significant difference? Multiple Choice

Comparing two cities' sizes:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 北京比上海大得多。

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, 'hen' is for descriptive sentences, not comparisons.

Always after the adjective.

Use 'meiyou'.

Yes, but often replaced by 'xiang bi' in academic texts.

Yes, use 'A bi B + verb + amount'.

Use 'yi dian' or 'duo le'.

It's just the standard way to express age in Chinese.

Yes, the structure remains the same.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

más que

Chinese puts the amount after the adjective.

French moderate

plus que

Chinese requires the particle '比' before the object.

German low

als

Chinese adjectives do not conjugate.

Japanese high

より

Japanese particle 'yori' follows the object, while 'bi' precedes it.

Arabic moderate

أكثر من

Chinese uses a specific particle '比' which acts as a preposition.

English low

more than

Chinese does not change the adjective form.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Comparing Things with 'bǐ' (A is more ... than B)
Next
Comparisons with Méiyǒu (Not as... as)

Learn These First

A2 Builds On

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

Overview The Chinese comparison structure `A 比 B Adjective` (`A bǐ B Adjective`) is a fundamental pattern used to expre...

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Everyday Chinese

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