Equative Comparison: Is A as [Adj] as B? (A 有 B Adj)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'A 有 B [Adj]' to say A is as [Adj] as B, or 'A 没有 B [Adj]' to say A is not as [Adj] as B.
- Affirmative: A 有 B 那么 [Adj] (A is as [Adj] as B).
- Negative: A 没有 B [Adj] (A is not as [Adj] as B).
- Question: A 有 B [Adj] 吗? (Is A as [Adj] as B?).
Overview
In Chinese, expressing comparisons is a fundamental skill, and while most learners first master 比 (bǐ) for inequality (“A is more __ than B”) and 跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng) for equality (“A is the same as B”), a third, more nuanced structure is essential for fluency: the 有 (yǒu) comparison. This pattern is used to ask whether one thing measures up to the standard set by another. It addresses the concept of equative comparison, answering the question, “Does A possess the same degree of a quality as B?”
Think of 有 not as stating simple sameness, but as checking for attainment. If you ask, 新手机有旧手机那么贵吗？ (Xīn shǒujī yǒu jiù shǒujī nàme guì ma?), you're not just asking if the prices are identical. You're using the old phone's price as a benchmark and asking if the new phone reaches that level of expensiveness.
This structure is most commonly found in questions and negative statements, making it a cornerstone of daily conversation for expressing doubt, denial, and inquiry about degrees.
The grammar's logic stems directly from the primary meaning of 有: “to have” or “to possess.” In this comparative sense, a sentence like 他有你高 (tā yǒu nǐ gāo) literally translates to “He has your height.” This conceptual framework—possessing a quality to a certain degree—is the key to understanding why and how this pattern works. It’s a versatile tool for comparing everything from physical attributes like height and size to abstract qualities like difficulty and intelligence, making it indispensable for expressing complex thoughts at the B2 level.
How This Grammar Works
有 comparison operates on a simple but powerful linguistic principle: it treats the second subject and its adjective (B + Adj) as a single conceptual unit representing a benchmark of quality. When you say A 有 B + Adj, you are asking if Subject A “possesses” the level of the adjective established by Subject B. The core idea is about reaching a threshold, not necessarily being identical.A(Subject): The item being evaluated.有(Verb): The verb of possession, extended here to mean “attains the level of.”B + Adj(Benchmark): The reference point.Bsets the standard, andAdjdefines the dimension of comparison.
这个房间有那个房间大吗？ (Zhège fángjiān yǒu nàge fángjiān dà ma?), the unit 那个房间大 (nàge fángjiān dà) functions as “that room's size.” The sentence is thus asking, “Does this room have that room's size?” This is fundamentally different from 比 (bǐ), which would state an inequality (这个房间比那个房间大 - This room is bigger than that one), or 跟...一样 (gēn...yíyàng), which would state equivalence (这个房间跟那个房间一样大 - This room is the same size as that one).高 (gāo, tall), 冷 (lěng, cold), 贵 (guì, expensive), or 难 (nán, difficult). You can be more or less tall, cold, or expensive. It does not work with non-gradable or absolute adjectives like 死 (sǐ, dead) or 对 (duì, correct).A 没有 B + Adj, is the default way to say that something fails to meet a comparative standard. For example, 今天的考试没有昨天的难 (Jīntiān de kǎoshì méiyǒu zuótiān de nán) translates to, “Today's test was not as difficult as yesterday's.” It implies that yesterday's test set the bar for difficulty, and today's did not reach it.Formation Pattern
这么 (zhème) and 那么 (nàme) adds naturalness and emphasis.
没有)
有 comparison. It is the standard way to express that ‘A is not as [Adj] as B’.
A + 没有 + B + (这么/那么) + Adj
这么 (zhème, this/so) and 那么 (nàme, that/so) are technically optional but are highly recommended in negative statements for idiomatic speech. They soften the comparison and make it sound less like a blunt, factual report.
Zhè jiā cāntīng méiyǒu nà jiā hǎochī. (This restaurant is not as tasty as that one.) |
Wǒ de Zhōngwén méiyǒu tā nàme liúlì. (My Chinese is not as fluent as his.) |
Xiànshí méiyǒu wǒmen xiǎngxiàng de nàme měihǎo. (Reality is not as wonderful as we imagine.) |
A + 有 + B + (这么/那么) + Adj + 吗?
A + 有没有 + B + (这么/那么) + Adj?
有没有) form can sometimes feel slightly more emphatic or insistent.
吗 Question | A + 有 + B + 那么 + Adj + 吗? | 上海的冬天有北京那么冷吗？ | Shànghǎi de dōngtiān yǒu Běijīng nàme lěng ma? (Is winter in Shanghai as cold as in Beijing?) |
有没有 Question | A + 有没有 + B + Adj? | 你新买的电脑有没有之前那台快？ | Nǐ xīn mǎi de diànnǎo yǒuméiyǒu zhīqián nà tái kuài? (Is the new computer you bought as fast as the previous one?) |
有)
有 comparisons are less common for direct A-to-B comparisons, which often sound like answers to questions. The primary affirmative use is for stating estimations and approximations, especially with numbers and measurements.
A + 有 + [Quantity/Standard] + (这么/那么) + Adj
Zhège xīguā dàgài yǒu wǔ gōngjīn zhòng. (This watermelon is about five kilograms heavy.) |
Wā, nǐ érzi dōu zhǎng zhème gāo le! (Wow, your son has grown this tall!) (Here 这么 means “this tall,” as indicated by the speaker). |
A 跟 B 一样 Adj is often more natural than A 有 B Adj. For example, 他跟他哥哥一样高 (He is as tall as his older brother) is a more neutral statement of fact than 他有他哥哥高.
When To Use It
有 comparison means knowing the specific conversational contexts where it excels. While its structure is straightforward, its application is nuanced.- When shopping:
这款手机的电池有上一代那么耐用吗？(Zhè kuǎn shǒujī de diànchí yǒu shàng yī dài nàme nàiyòng ma?) - “Is this phone model’s battery as durable as the last generation’s?” - When discussing travel:
去机场坐地铁有打车快吗？(Qù jīchǎng zuò dìtiě yǒu dǎchē kuài ma?) - “Is taking the subway to the airport as fast as taking a taxi?”
有 structure in both spoken and written Chinese. It's the default way to say “A is not as… as B.” It is less confrontational than 比 and more descriptive.- In a work context:
这个季度的销售额没有上个季度那么理想。(Zhège jìdù de xiāoshòu'é méiyǒu shàng gè jìdù nàme lǐxiǎng.) - “This quarter’s sales figures are not as ideal as last quarter’s.” - In casual conversation:
我觉得这部电影没有原著小说精彩。(Wǒ juéde zhè bù diànyǐng méiyǒu yuánzhù xiǎoshuō jīngcǎi.) - “I feel this movie is not as brilliant as the original novel.”
有 is the perfect tool. It implies a threshold has been met or possibly exceeded.- Describing a location:
从这里到市中心差不多有二十公里远。(Cóng zhèlǐ dào shìzhōngxīn chàbuduō yǒu èrshí gōnglǐ yuǎn.) - “It’s about 20 kilometers from here to the city center.” - Describing a person:
他看起来有三十岁左右。(Tā kànqǐlái yǒu sānshí suì zuǒyòu.) - “He looks to be around 30 years old.”
这么/那么)有 statement can be used to express surprise or confirm an observation. The adverbs 这么 (this) and 那么 (that) are key here, often with an emphatic tone.- Seeing a long line:
天啊，排队的人有这么多！(Tiān a, páiduì de rén yǒu zhème duō!) - “My goodness, there are this many people in line!” - Responding to a friend’s complaint about a difficult task:
真的有你说的那么复杂吗？(Zhēnde yǒu nǐ shuō de nàme fùzá ma?) - “Is it really as complicated as you say it is?”
Common Mistakes
不 (bù) instead of 没 (méi) for Negation有 (yǒu), in nearly all its uses (possession, existence, comparison), is negated with 没 or 没有.- Mistake:
*我中文不有他好。(Wǒ Zhōngwén bù yǒu tā hǎo.) - Correction:
我中文没有他好。(Wǒ Zhōngwén méiyǒu tā hǎo.) - Reason: The negation of
有is always没有. Think of it as a fixed pair.不有does not exist in modern standard Mandarin.
比 (bǐ) or Degree Adverbs有 structure checks if a benchmark is met; it does not express a relative difference. Therefore, adverbs that indicate a higher degree, such as 更 (gèng, even more) or 还 (hái, still more), are incompatible.- Mistake:
*今天没有昨天更冷。(Jīntiān méiyǒu zuótiān gèng lěng.) - Correction:
今天没有昨天冷。(Jīntiān méiyǒu zuótiān lěng.) OR今天比昨天暖和。(Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān nuǎnhuo.) - Reason: The
有pattern is binary: you either reach the level or you don't.比, on the other hand, operates on a scale and is designed to be used with words like更and-得多(much more).
A 有 B + Adj is grammatically correct in the affirmative, it often sounds unnatural for making a simple statement of equality. It can sound like you're answering an implicit question or expressing surprise.- Unnatural:
我跟他有一样高。(While grammatically parsing,跟...一样is better). - More Natural:
我跟他一样高。(Wǒ gēn tā yíyàng gāo.- I am the same height as him.) - Reason:
跟...一样is the dedicated structure for stating direct equality. Use affirmative有primarily for estimations (有三米高- is three meters tall) or in response to a question.
没有 to imply general inferiority without specifying the dimension, which can be ungrammatical or ambiguous.- Mistake:
*这个牌子没有那个牌子。(Zhège páizi méiyǒu nàge páizi.) - Correction:
这个牌子没有那个牌子有名。(Zhège páizi méiyǒu nàge páizi yǒumíng.- This brand is not as famous as that brand.) - Reason: The adjective is required to define the scope of the comparison. Without it, the sentence is incomplete. The only exception is in a very clear context where the adjective was just mentioned. (e.g., “Is this expensive?” “没有那个贵。”)
Common Collocations
有 comparison fluently, it helps to know which words and phrases it naturally pairs with. These collocations will make your speech sound more authentic.高(gāo) - tall大(dà) - big多(duō) - many/much少(shǎo) - few/little远(yuǎn) - far近(jìn) - near重(zhòng) - heavy长(cháng) - long好(hǎo) - good快(kuài) - fast
厉害(lìhai) - awesome, formidable聪明(cōngmíng) - intelligent方便(fāngbiàn) - convenient便宜(piányi) - cheap简单(jiǎndān) - simple
没有 comparisons with introductory phrases.其实...(qíshí...) - Actually...
其实坐高铁没有听起来那么麻烦。Qíshí zuò gāotiě méiyǒu tīngqǐlái nàme máfan.感觉...(gǎnjué...) - I feel that...
我感觉新版本没有旧版本稳定。Wǒ gǎnjué xīn bǎnběn méiyǒu jiù bǎnběn wěndìng.看起来...(kànqǐlái...) - It looks/seems...
他看起来没有照片里那么高。Tā kànqǐlái méiyǒu zhàopiàn lǐ nàme gāo.说实话...(shuō shíhuà...) - To be honest...
说实话，他的表现没有大家期待的那么好。Shuō shíhuà, tā de biǎoxiàn méiyǒu dàjiā qīdài de nàme hǎo.Quick FAQ
A 没有 B + Adj and A 不如 B + Adj?This is a key distinction for advanced learners. While both can often be translated as “A is not as… as B,” they carry different connotations.
没有(méiyǒu) is a neutral, objective statement that something does not reach a certain level. It's factual.我跑得没有你快(Wǒ pǎo de méiyǒu nǐ kuài) - “I don’t run as fast as you.” This is a simple fact about speed.不如(bùrú) often implies inferiority or a subjective judgment that A is “not as good as” B. It is frequently used for abstract qualities, abilities, or overall value.在中文口语方面，我不如你(Zài Zhōngwén kǒuyǔ fāngmiàn, wǒ bùrú nǐ) - “In terms of spoken Chinese, I am not as good as you / I am inferior to you.” Using没有here would sound more like a neutral observation, whereas不如carries a stronger sense of admission of being less skilled.
Absolutely. This is a hallmark of B2-level complexity. The “B” slot can be occupied by a verb phrase or a whole clause, which makes the structure incredibly powerful for sophisticated comparisons.
实际情况没有我们当初预料的那么乐观。(Shíjì qíngkuàng méiyǒu wǒmen dāngchū yùliào de nàme lèguān.) - “The actual situation is not as optimistic as we originally predicted.” Here, the benchmark is我们当初预料的(what we originally predicted).这个项目有没有你说的那么容易？(Zhège xiàngmù yǒuméiyǒu nǐ shuō de nàme róngyì?) - “Is this project as easy as you say it is?” The benchmark is你说的(what you say).
这么 (zhème) vs. 那么 (nàme)?In many conversational contexts, they are interchangeable. However, there is a technical distinction based on proximity to the speaker (similar to “this” vs. “that”).
这么(zhème) refers to something closer to the speaker, either physically or conceptually.原来你有这么高！(Yuánlái nǐ yǒu zhème gāo!) - “Wow, you are this tall!” (implying the height is right in front of the speaker).那么(nàme) refers to something more distant.我没想到北京的夏天有那么热。(Wǒ méi xiǎngdào Běijīng de xiàtiān yǒu nàme rè.) - “I didn’t expect Beijing’s summer to be that hot.”
那么 is often a safe and neutral choice in negative comparisons.Equative Structure Table
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
A + 有 + B + (这么/那么) + Adj
|
他有我高
|
|
Negative
|
A + 没有 + B + (这么/那么) + Adj
|
他没有我高
|
|
Question
|
A + 有 + B + (这么/那么) + Adj + 吗
|
他有我高吗
|
|
Emphasis
|
A + 有 + B + 这么 + Adj
|
他有我这么高
|
|
Past/State
|
A + 没有 + B + 那么 + Adj
|
他没有我那么高
|
|
Comparison
|
A + 有 + B + 那么 + Adj
|
他有我那么高
|
Meanings
This structure is used to compare the degree of a quality between two subjects. It indicates whether they possess the same level of an adjective or if one falls short.
Equality
Stating that two things share the same degree of a quality.
“他{有|yǒu}你{这么|zhème}{聪明|cōngmíng}。”
“这{本|běn}{书|shū}{有|yǒu}那{本|běn}{厚|hòu}。”
Inequality
Stating that the first subject does not reach the level of the second.
“他{没有|méiyǒu}你{这么|zhème}{高|gāo}。”
“这{件|jiàn}{衣服|yīfu}{没有|méiyǒu}那{件|jiàn}{好看|hǎokàn}。”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
A + 有 + B + Adj
|
他有我高
|
|
Negative
|
A + 没有 + B + Adj
|
他没有我高
|
|
Question
|
A + 有 + B + Adj + 吗
|
他有我高吗
|
|
Emphasis
|
A + 有 + B + 这么 + Adj
|
他有我这么高
|
|
Negative Emphasis
|
A + 没有 + B + 那么 + Adj
|
他没有我那么高
|
Formality Spectrum
他有我这么高。 (Daily conversation)
他有我这么高。 (Daily conversation)
他有我这么高！ (Daily conversation)
他跟我一样高。 (Daily conversation)
Comparison Logic
Equality
- 有 as... as
Inequality
- 没有 not as... as
Examples by Level
他有我高。
He is as tall as me.
这有那大。
This is as big as that.
我没有他高。
I am not as tall as him.
这没有那好。
This is not as good as that.
他有我这么高。
He is as tall as me.
这有那那么贵。
This is as expensive as that.
我没有他这么聪明。
I am not as smart as him.
今天没有昨天那么热。
Today is not as hot as yesterday.
这个计划有那个计划那么复杂。
This plan is as complex as that one.
他没有我想象中那么努力。
He is not as hardworking as I imagined.
这儿的菜有那儿的那么辣吗？
Is the food here as spicy as over there?
学习汉语有学习英语那么难吗？
Is learning Chinese as hard as learning English?
这种技术有那种技术那么先进吗？
Is this technology as advanced as that one?
他的表现没有大家预期的那么好。
His performance was not as good as everyone expected.
这个项目有那个项目那么重要吗？
Is this project as important as that one?
现在的环境没有以前那么好了。
The environment now is not as good as it used to be.
该政策的实施效果有预期那么显著吗？
Is the implementation effect of this policy as significant as expected?
此方案的灵活性有彼方案那么高吗？
Is the flexibility of this plan as high as that one?
其影响力没有外界传言的那么大。
Its influence is not as great as the rumors suggest.
这种结构有那种结构那么稳固吗？
Is this structure as stable as that one?
其艺术造诣有前人那么深厚吗？
Is his artistic attainment as profound as his predecessors?
此举之深意有彼时那么明确吗？
Is the deeper meaning of this act as clear as it was then?
其逻辑严密性没有理论预设的那么完美。
Its logical rigor is not as perfect as the theoretical presupposition.
这种情感的表达有古典诗词那么含蓄吗？
Is the expression of this emotion as subtle as in classical poetry?
Easily Confused
Learners mix equality and inequality.
Common Mistakes
他不有我高
他没有我高
他比我一样高
他有我这么高
他没有我那么高吗？
他有我那么高吗？
其高有我
其有我这么高
Sentence Patterns
___ 有 ___ 这么 ___。
Real World Usage
这有那贵吗？
Use '没有'
Smart Tips
Use '有' for equality.
Pronunciation
Tone of '有'
It is a third tone, make sure to dip low.
Question
他有我高吗？↑
Rising intonation for questions.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of '有' as 'having' the same amount of quality.
Visual Association
Imagine two people standing on a scale, both at the same height.
Rhyme
Equality is '有', inequality is '没有'.
Story
Xiao Wang and Xiao Li are comparing height. Xiao Wang says 'I am tall'. Xiao Li says 'I am as tall as you'. They use '有' to show they are the same.
Word Web
Challenge
Compare three items in your room using '有' or '没有'.
Cultural Notes
Very common in daily speech.
Derived from the verb 'to have'.
Conversation Starters
你觉得汉语有英语难吗？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
他 ___ 我高。
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercises他 ___ 我高。
Score: /1
Practice Bank
11 exercises这个房间 ___ 二十平米大。 ({Zhège fángjiān ___ èrshí píngmǐ dà.})
Choose the natural question form:
他 (He) / 哥哥 (brother) / 高 (tall) / 没有 (not have) / 那么 (so)
It is not as far as you think.
Match the comparison types:
我的车不有你的快。 ({Wǒ de chē bù yǒu nǐ de kuài.})
真的有 ___ 贵吗？ ({Zhēnde yǒu ___ guì ma?})
Select the correct measurement usage:
Does he have as much money as you?
作业 (Homework) / 昨天 (yesterday) / 多 (much) / 没有 (not have)
学校 ___ 公园远吗？ ({Xuéxiào ___ gōngyuán yuǎn ma?})
Score: /11
FAQ (1)
No, '比' is for inequality.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
tan... como
Chinese uses a verb.
aussi... que
Chinese uses '有'.
so... wie
Chinese uses '有'.
to onaji kurai
Chinese uses '有'.
mithl
Chinese uses '有'.
有
None.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
Chinese Comparisons: 'Almost the Same' with 差不多 (chàbuduō)
Overview The term `差不多` (chàbuduō) is a fundamental expression in Chinese, encapsulating the nuanced meanings of "alm...
Verb Comparisons: Doing it better than you ({比|bǐ} + {得|de})
Overview Comparing two nouns is often one of the first grammatical structures you learn in Chinese. With `比 (bǐ)`, you...
The More... The... (越...越...)
Ever noticed how the more you scroll through TikTok, the more you realize you’ve wasted two hours of your life? Or how t...
Comparing with Precision: Saying 'How Much' More (比 + Degree)
Overview Comparing two entities is a fundamental aspect of human language. In Chinese, the basic comparative structure `...
More and More (越来越)
Overview Chinese grammar offers elegant structures to describe change, and among the most fundamental for A1 learners is...
