B1 Comparisons 16 min read Easy

Chinese Comparisons: 'Almost the Same' with 差不多 (chàbuduō)

Use 差不多 to bridge the gap between 'nearly there' and 'exactly the same' in daily conversation.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {差不多|chàbuduō} to express that two things are 'almost the same' or 'nearly' equal in quality, quantity, or time.

  • Use as an adverb before adjectives: {我们|wǒmen}{差不多|chàbuduō}{高|gāo}. (We are about the same height.)
  • Use to indicate 'nearly' or 'almost' with quantities: {他|tā}{有|yǒu}{差不多|chàbuduō}{五十|wǔshí}{岁|suì}. (He is nearly 50 years old.)
  • Use as a predicate to mean 'good enough': {这|zhè}{个|gè}{差不多|chàbuduō}{了|le}. (This is good enough.)
Subject + 差不多 + Adjective/Verb/Quantity

Overview

The term 差不多 (chàbuduō) is a fundamental expression in Chinese, encapsulating the nuanced meanings of "almost," "nearly," "about the same," or "not much difference." At its core, 差不多 literally translates to "differ not much," deriving from 差 (chà, to differ, to lack), 不 (bù, not), and 多 (duō, much/many). This construction, where a negative precedes a positive to indicate a mitigated state, is a common linguistic pattern in Chinese, conveying a sense of approximation rather than absolute exactness.

For B1-level learners, mastering 差不多 is critical for achieving fluency and sounding natural. It allows you to express degrees of similarity, estimations, and states of near-completion in a myriad of contexts. Unlike English, which often employs distinct words for "similar," "approximately," and "nearly," Chinese frequently bundles these concepts into the single, highly versatile 差不多.

This word is integral to daily conversation, reflecting a cultural inclination towards practical approximation over strict precision in many social situations.

A notable cultural insight into the term's significance is found in the satirical essay "Mr. Chabuduo" (胡差不多先生, Hú Chàbuduō Xiānsheng) by Hu Shih (胡适). This story critiques the dangers of an overly lax "good enough" attitude, yet paradoxically, the term 差不多 persists as an indispensable part of everyday language due to its sheer utility in conveying practical, real-world estimations.

Understanding 差不多 goes beyond mere vocabulary; it offers a window into the pragmatic aspects of Chinese communication.

How This Grammar Works

The versatility of 差不多 (chàbuduō) stems from its ability to function both as an adjective and an adverb, a linguistic characteristic that underpins its broad application in Chinese. Understanding this dual role is crucial for its correct usage.
When 差不多 acts as an adjective, it describes a state where two or more entities are comparable or "about the same." In this capacity, it typically serves as a predicate, often appearing at the end of a sentence or clause to comment on the degree of similarity. The implied comparison focuses on the lack of significant variance between the subjects. For instance, 这两个计划的成本差不多。 (Zhè liǎng gè jìhuà de chéngběn chàbuduō.
The costs of these two plans are about the same.) Here, 差不多 directly qualifies the relationship between "the costs of these two plans."
Conversely, when 差不多 functions as an adverb, it modifies verbs, adjectives, or numerical and temporal phrases, conveying the meaning of "almost," "nearly," or "approximately." In this adverbial role, it invariably precedes the element it modifies. The core concept remains "not much difference," but here it quantifies the proximity to a particular state, number, or time. Consider 我差不多写完了报告。 (Wǒ chàbuduō xiě wánle bàogào.
I've almost finished writing the report.) In this sentence, 差不多 indicates the report is near completion, with only a small remaining difference from the final state.
This inherent flexibility distinguishes 差不多 from related terms. While 一样 (yīyàng) denotes exact sameness, and 几乎 (jīhū) signifies "nearly" often with a sense of narrowly avoiding or missing something, 差不多 occupies the semantic space of practical, acceptable similarity or approximation. It is the go-to word when the distinction is minor enough to be negligible in everyday contexts.

Formation Pattern

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The formation patterns for 差不多 (chàbuduō) are straightforward, reflecting its dual function as an adjective and an adverb. Mastering these structures allows for precise expression of approximation and similarity.
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1. 差不多 as an Adjective (Comparing Similarity)
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When 差不多 functions adjectivally, it highlights that two or more items possess a similar quality or characteristic.
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| Pattern | Meaning | Example | Pinyin and Translation |
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| :-------------------------------------- | :----------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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| A + 跟/和 + B + 差不多 | A and B are about the same. | 你和我的想法差不多。 | Nǐ hé wǒ de xiǎngfǎ chàbuduō. (Your ideas and mine are about the same.) |
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| | | 这两款手机的价格差不多。 | Zhè liǎng kuǎn shǒujī de jiàgé chàbuduō. (The prices of these two phone models are about the same.) |
8
| (Specific Group) + 都 + 差不多 | All (items in the group) are about the same. | 这里的咖啡种类很多，但喝起来味道都差不多。 | Zhèlǐ de kāfēi zhǒnglèi hěn duō, dàn hē qǐlái wèidào dōu chàbuduō. (There are many types of coffee here, but they all taste about the same when you drink them.) |
9
| A + 跟/和 + B + 差不多 + (Noun) | A and B are about the same [Noun]. | 他们长得差不多高。 | Tāmen zhǎng de chàbuduō gāo. (They are about the same height.) |
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| | | Note: While A 跟/和 B 差不多一样 is occasionally heard in casual speech, it is often considered redundant as 差不多 already implies similarity. Use 差不多 alone for conciseness and correctness. | |
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In the pattern 他们长得差不多高, 高 (gāo, tall) acts as a complement describing the similar degree of height. This structure is common for comparing physical attributes or quantifiable qualities where the specific aspect of similarity is explicitly stated.
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2. 差不多 as an Adverb (Indicating Approximation or Nearness)
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When 差不多 acts as an adverb, it precedes and modifies a numerical quantity, a time expression, a verb, or an adjective, signaling "almost," "nearly," or "approximately."
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| Pattern | Meaning | Example | Pinyin and Translation |
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| :---------------------------------------- | :------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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| 差不多 + [Number/Quantity] | Approximately [number/quantity] | 我们部门差不多有二十个人。 | Wǒmen bùmén chàbuduō yǒu èrshí gè rén. (There are approximately twenty people in our department.) |
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| | | 这本书我差不多看了一半。 | Zhè běn shū wǒ chàbuduō kànle yī bàn. (I've almost read half of this book.) |
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| 差不多 + [Time Duration/Point in Time] | Approximately [time] | 会议差不多在下午三点开始。 | Huìyì chàbuduō zài xiàwǔ sān diǎn kāishǐ. (The meeting will start at approximately 3 PM.) |
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| | | 我差不多等了两个小时。 | Wǒ chàbuduō děngle liǎng gè xiǎoshí. (I waited for almost two hours.) |
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| 差不多 + [Verb Phrase] | Almost [verb] | 你的作业差不多做完了吗？ | Nǐ de zuòyè chàbuduō zuò wán le ma? (Have you almost finished your homework?) |
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| | | 火车差不多要开了。 | Huǒchē chàbuduō yào kāi le. (The train is almost about to depart.) |
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| 差不多 + [Adjective] | Almost [adjective] | 这部电影的情节差不多一样无聊。 | Zhè bù diànyǐng de qíngjié chàbuduō yīyàng wúliáo. (The plot of this movie is almost equally boring.) Note: This is less common than modifying verbs or quantities. |
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| | | 他差不多高了。 (This implies he's almost reached a certain height, or is almost tall enough, rather than comparing to someone else.) | Tā chàbuduō gāo le. (He's almost tall [enough].) |
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A crucial grammatical point for the adverbial use is that 差不多 always precedes the number, quantity, or verb/adjective it modifies. Placing the quantity before 差不多 changes the meaning entirely, typically implying sufficiency rather than approximation (e.g., 三个月差不多 means "three months is enough").

When To Use It

The utility of 差不多 (chàbuduō) lies in its broad applicability across various communicative functions, allowing you to express nuance in approximation, similarity, and states of near-completion. Understanding these contexts is key to using it effectively.
1. Expressing Approximation and Estimation:
This is perhaps the most frequent application of 差不多. You use it when providing an estimated figure, time, or quantity without needing absolute precision. It indicates that the actual value is very close to the stated one.
  • 他差不多高一米八。 (Tā chàbuduō gāo yī bā. He is approximately 1.8 meters tall.)
  • 我差不多等了半个小时。 (Wǒ chàbuduō děngle bàn gè xiǎoshí. I waited for almost half an hour.)
  • 从这里到学校差不多十分钟。 (Cóng zhèlǐ dào xuéxiào chàbuduō shí fēnzhōng. From here to school is about ten minutes.)
2. Indicating Similarity:
When comparing two or more things that are not identical but are sufficiently alike for practical purposes, 差不多 is the ideal term. It conveys that the differences are minor or negligible.
  • 我的新手机跟旧的差不多大。 (Wǒ de xīn shǒujī gēn jiù de chàbuduō dà. My new phone is about the same size as my old one.)
  • 这些产品的质量和价格都差不多。 (Zhèxiē chǎnpǐn de zhìliàng hé jiàgé dōu chàbuduō. The quality and price of these products are both about the same.)
3. Signaling Near Completion or Readiness:
Paired frequently with 了 (le), 差不多 expresses that a task or process is nearing its end or that someone is almost ready. This is common in daily interactions regarding ongoing activities.
  • 饭差不多做好了，你们可以准备吃饭了。 (Fàn chàbuduō zuò hǎo le, nǐmen kěyǐ zhǔnbèi chīfàn le. The meal is almost ready; you can prepare to eat.)
  • 你的报告差不多完成了吗？ (Nǐ de bàogào chàbuduō wánchéng le ma? Is your report almost finished?)
  • 我们差不多要出发了。 (Wǒmen chàbuduō yào chūfā le. We are almost ready to depart.)
4. Generalizing and Downplaying Differences:
In conversations where you wish to avoid making a definitive choice or lengthy comparison, 差不多 can be used to generalize, suggesting that options are largely equivalent.
  • A: 你觉得哪家餐厅的菜好吃？ (Nǐ juéde nǎ jiā cāntīng de cài hǎo chī? Which restaurant's food do you think is delicious?)
  • B: 都差不多吧，口味因人而异。 (Dōu chàbuduō ba, kǒuwèi yīn rén ér yì. They're all pretty similar; taste varies from person to person.)
5. Real-World Usage Considerations:
  • Casual Conversations and Texting: 差不多 is highly prevalent. Phrases like 差不多到了 (chàbuduō dào le, almost arrived) are everyday shorthand.
  • Informal Business Contexts: While acceptable in informal work discussions, exercise caution in formal reports or official communications where precision might be expected. In such cases, terms like 大约 (dàyuē, approximately) or 大致 (dàzhì, roughly) might be more appropriate.
  • Subtlety in "Almost": In Chinese, 差不多 often implies a closer proximity to the target state than its English counterpart "almost." If you say 我差不多到了, a native speaker might expect you within minutes, not 15-20 minutes away.

Common Mistakes

Avoiding typical pitfalls associated with 差不多 (chàbuduō) is essential for accurate and natural communication. Many errors arise from direct translation or a misunderstanding of its inherent nuances.
1. Redundancy with 一样 (yīyàng):
One of the most frequent errors is combining 差不多 with 一样 (yīyàng, exactly the same) to form 差不多一样. While colloquially heard, this construction is grammatically redundant because 差不多 already conveys the meaning of "about the same" or "similar." 一样 denotes exact equivalence, whereas 差不多 signifies approximation.
  • Incorrect: 他们长得差不多一样。
  • Correct: 他们长得差不多。 (Tāmen zhǎng de chàbuduō. They look about the same.)
  • Alternatively for exactness: 他们长得一样。 (Tāmen zhǎng de yīyàng. They look exactly the same.)
2. Incorrect Word Order with Quantities:
Failing to place 差不多 before the quantity or time expression radically alters the meaning. When 差不多 precedes a numerical phrase, it indicates approximation. However, if the quantity comes first, the phrase then means "[Quantity] is enough/sufficient."
  • Incorrect (for approximation): 三个月差不多。 (This means: Three months is enough/sufficient.)
  • Correct (for approximation): 差不多三个月。 (Chàbuduō sān gè yuè. Approximately three months.)
  • Explanation: The structure [Quantity] + 差不多 functions as a predicate commenting on the quantity's sufficiency, a distinct grammatical function from adverbial approximation.
3. Negative Form 不差不多 (bù chàbuduō):
You cannot negate 差不多 directly with 不 (bù). This is because 差不多 already contains an implicit negation (差不) within its meaning of "not much difference." To express that things are not similar or differ significantly, you must use alternative expressions.
  • Incorrect: 他们不差不多。
  • Correct: 他们不一样。 (Tāmen bù yīyàng. They are not the same.)
  • Correct: 他们差很多。 (Tāmen chà hěn duō. They differ a lot.)
  • Correct: 他们相差很大。 (Tāmen xiāngchà hěn dà. They are very different.)
4. Confusing with 几乎 (jīhū):
Both 差不多 and 几乎 can be translated as "almost" or "nearly," but their contexts of use are distinct. 几乎 is generally more formal and often implies a narrow miss or a situation that was just short of a negative or critical outcome. It frequently carries a sense of consequence or a close call.
  • 我几乎忘了今天的会议，幸好秘书提醒了我。 (Wǒ jīhū wàngle jīntiān de huìyì, xìnghǎo mìshū tíxǐng le wǒ. I almost forgot today's meeting; luckily, my secretary reminded me.) (Implies forgetting would have been problematic.)
  • 他几乎要成功了，可惜最后还是失败了。 (Tā jīhū yào chénggōng le, kěxī zuìhòu háishì shībài le. He was almost successful, but unfortunately, he still failed in the end.)
In contrast, 差不多 is more informal and focuses on approximation or similarity in a less dramatic sense. It doesn't typically carry the same weight of a narrow miss or critical consequence. It often describes an existing state of proximity.
  • 我差不多忘了带伞。 (Wǒ chàbuduō wàngle dài sǎn. I almost forgot to bring an umbrella.) (A casual statement, less emphasis on a potential bad outcome.)
  • 我差不多完成了任务。 (Wǒ chàbuduō wánchéng le rènwu. I'm almost finished the task.) (Simply indicating a state of near completion.)
Key Distinction: 几乎 often describes an action that nearly occurred but ultimately didn't, or a state that was nearly reached but was cut short. 差不多 describes a state of existing proximity or practical equivalence.
5. Overuse in Formal Contexts:
While 差不多 is extremely useful, its casual nature means it can sound imprecise in highly formal written reports, academic papers, or official speeches. In such situations, it is advisable to use more formal equivalents.
  • Formal alternatives: 大约 (dàyuē, approximately), 大致 (dàzhì, roughly), 近似 (jìnsì, similar to/approximate), 相近 (xiāngjìn, similar).

Common Collocations

Understanding common collocations with 差不多 (chàbuduō) enhances your ability to use the term idiomatically and naturally. These fixed or semi-fixed phrases are frequently encountered in daily communication.
1. 差不多了 (chàbuduō le):
This is an extremely common and versatile phrase, typically signaling that something is "almost ready," "almost finished," or "it's about time." It can often stand alone as a complete response in conversational settings.
  • A: 晚饭好了吗？ (Wǎnfàn hǎo le ma? Is dinner ready?)
  • B: 差不多了，再等五分钟。 (Chàbuduō le, zài děng wǔ fēnzhōng. Almost, wait five more minutes.)
  • 演唱会差不多开始了，我们快走吧！ (Yǎnchànghuì chàbuduō kāishǐ le, wǒmen kuài zǒu ba! The concert is almost starting, let's go quickly!)
2. 都差不多 (dōu chàbuduō):
Meaning "they are all about the same" or "there's not much difference among them," this phrase is used when comparing multiple items, options, or situations and concluding that their distinctions are negligible.
  • A: 你觉得北方菜好吃还是南方菜好吃？ (Nǐ juéde běifāng cài hǎo chī háishì nánfāng cài hǎo chī? Do you think Northern cuisine is delicious or Southern cuisine?)
  • B: 对我来说，都差不多。 (Duì wǒ lái shuō, dōu chàbuduō. For me, they're all about the same.)
  • 这些品牌的手机功能都差不多，主要看你喜欢哪个设计。 (Zhèxiē pǐnpái de shǒujī gōngnéng dōu chàbuduō, zhǔyào kàn nǐ xǐhuān nǎge shèjì. The functions of these phone brands are all about the same; it mainly depends on which design you like.)
3. 差不多 + [Quantity/Time]:
This is the most common adverbial collocation, used to express approximation for numbers, durations, or points in time. 差不多 always precedes the numerical or temporal phrase.
  • 我每天差不多睡八个小时。 (Wǒ měitiān chàbuduō shuì bā gè xiǎoshí. I sleep almost eight hours every day.)
  • 这个项目差不多需要一年才能完成。 (Zhège xiàngmù chàbuduō xūyào yī nián cáinéng wánchéng. This project will require almost a year to complete.)
  • 他差不多四十岁了。 (Tā chàbuduō sìshí suì le. He is almost forty years old.)
4. 差不多 + [Verb]:
Used to indicate that an action or process is nearing completion or has almost occurred.
  • 我差不多看完了这部小说。 (Wǒ chàbuduō kàn wánle zhè bù xiǎoshuō. I've almost finished reading this novel.)
  • 今天的任务差不多完成了。 (Jīntiān de rènwu chàbuduō wánchéng le. Today's task is almost complete.)
5. 差不多 + [Adjective]:
While less common than modifying verbs or quantities, 差不多 can precede adjectives to mean "almost [adjective]" or "nearly [adjective]." This often implies a state very close to the quality described.
  • 她差不多瘦了十公斤。 (Tā chàbuduō shòu le shí gōngjīn. She has lost almost ten kilograms.) (Here, 瘦 (shòu) acts as a verb complement indicating outcome)
  • 这份工作对她来说，差不多完美。 (Zhè fèn gōngzuò duì tā lái shuō, chàbuduō wánměi. For her, this job is almost perfect.)
6. 大同小异 (dàtóng xiǎoyì):
This is a four-character idiom (成语, chéngyǔ) that means "largely similar with minor differences." While more literary, it conveys a meaning conceptually close to 差不多 when describing similarities, particularly for objects, ideas, or situations.
  • 这两个提案的内容大同小异。 (Zhè liǎng gè tí'àn de nèiróng dàtóng xiǎoyì. The content of these two proposals is largely similar with minor differences.)

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can 差不多 be used to compare people's appearances or characteristics?
  • A: Absolutely. You can use it to describe that people look or are similar. For example, 他们长得差不多。 (Tāmen zhǎng de chàbuduō. They look about the same.) or 他们的性格差不多。 (Tāmen de xìnggé chàbuduō. Their personalities are about the same.) However, when describing physical attributes, be mindful of context to avoid sounding insensitive.
  • Q: Is 差不多 appropriate for formal business communication?
  • A: In most formal written business contexts, such as official reports, proposals, or emails to superiors, 差不多 might be perceived as too casual or imprecise. It's generally better to use more formal terms like 大约 (dàyuē, approximately), 大致 (dàzhì, roughly), 约 (yuē, approximately), or 相近 (xiāngjìn, similar) to maintain a professional tone.
  • Q: Can 差不多 stand alone as a response?
  • A: Yes, especially in conversational settings. When asked about readiness or completion, 差不多了。 (Chàbuduō le.) is a very common and natural standalone response, meaning "almost done" or "almost ready."
  • Q: What is the difference between 差不多 and 几乎 (jīhū)?
  • A: While both convey "almost," 差不多 generally implies a practical similarity or approximation without significant consequences. 几乎 often suggests a narrow miss or a close call, frequently with a sense of avoiding a negative outcome or falling just short of a positive one. 几乎 tends to be more dramatic or critical in its implication.
  • Q: How does 差不多 relate to 快 (kuài) when expressing "almost"?
  • A: 快 (kuài) also means "soon" or "almost." The pattern 快...了 (kuài...le) is used to indicate that something is about to happen very soon. For example, 快下雨了。 (Kuài xià yǔ le. It's about to rain.) or 我快到了。 (Wǒ kuài dào le. I'm almost there.) While there's overlap, 差不多 focuses more on the degree of approximation or similarity, whereas 快 emphasizes the imminence of an event. You can often combine them for stronger emphasis on both approximation and imminence, such as 时间差不多快到了。 (Shíjiān chàbuduō kuài dào le. It's almost about time.)
  • Q: Is there a historical or classical Chinese origin for 差不多?
  • A: The components 差 (chà), 不 (bù), and 多 (duō) are classical. The phrase 差不多 itself, in its modern usage, developed from earlier expressions conveying similar meanings of "not much difference." Its structure A不B (where B is an antonym of A, or A is a negative state and B implies abundance) to express a moderate or approximate state is a common feature in Chinese, reflecting a linguistic tendency towards nuanced expression.
  • Q: When should I avoid 差不多 to ensure clarity?
  • A: Avoid 差不多 when absolute precision is required, such as in scientific measurements, legal documents, financial reports, or when critical decisions depend on exact figures. In these cases, use specific numbers or terms like 精确 (jīngquè, precise) or 准确 (zhǔnquè, accurate). Also, avoid it if the context might imply a lack of effort or attention, as seen in the "Mr. Chabuduo" story.

Usage Patterns

Usage Structure Example
Comparison
A + B + 差不多
{这|zhè}{两|liǎng}{个|gè}{差不多|chàbuduō}
Quantity
差不多 + Number
{差不多|chàbuduō}{五|wǔ}{个|gè}
Sufficiency
Verb + 差不多
{做|zuò}{完|wán}{了|le}{差不多|chàbuduō}
Adjective
差不多 + Adj
{差不多|chàbuduō}{高|gāo}
Time
差不多 + Time
{差不多|chàbuduō}{明天|míngtiān}
Negative
不 + 差不多
{不|bù}{差不多|chàbuduō}

Meanings

Indicates that two entities are similar in degree, or that a quantity is close to a specific value.

1

Similarity

Two things are nearly the same.

“{他|tā}{和|hé}{我|wǒ}{差不多|chàbuduō}.”

“{这|zhè}{两|liǎng}{个|gè}{颜色|yánsè}{差不多|chàbuduō}.”

2

Approximation

Nearly or approximately (quantity/time).

“{差不多|chàbuduō}{三|sān}{点|diǎn}{了|le}.”

“{差不多|chàbuduō}{一|yī}{百|bǎi}{块|kuài}{钱|qián}.”

3

Sufficiency

Good enough / acceptable.

“{这样|zhèyàng}{就|jiù}{差不多|chàbuduō}{了|le}.”

“{做|zuò}{到|dào}{这|zhè}{里|lǐ}{差不多|chàbuduō}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Chinese Comparisons: 'Almost the Same' with 差不多 (chàbuduō)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + 差不多 + Adj
{他|tā}{差不多|chàbuduō}{高|gāo}
Quantity
差不多 + Number + Measure
{差不多|chàbuduō}{三|sān}{本|běn}{书|shū}
Negative
不 + 差不多
{这|zhè}{两|liǎng}{个|gè}{不|bù}{差不多|chàbuduō}
Question
差不多 + 吗?
{这|zhè}{两|liǎng}{个|gè}{差不多|chàbuduō}{吗|ma}?
Sufficiency
Action + 差不多 + 了
{吃|chī}{完|wán}{了|le}{差不多|chàbuduō}{了|le}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
两者基本一致。

两者基本一致。 (Comparing items.)

Neutral
这两个差不多。

这两个差不多。 (Comparing items.)

Informal
差不多吧。

差不多吧。 (Comparing items.)

Slang
差不离。

差不离。 (Comparing items.)

The 3 Faces of 差不多

差不多

Similarity

  • 一样 same

Quantity

  • 大约 about

Sufficiency

  • 够了 enough
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Examples by Level

1

{这|zhè}{两|liǎng}{个|gè}{差不多|chàbuduō}.

These two are about the same.

1

{差不多|chàbuduō}{三|sān}{点|diǎn}.

About 3 o'clock.

1

{我们|wǒmen}{的|de}{水平|shuǐpíng}{差不多|chàbuduō}.

Our levels are about the same.

1

{这|zhè}{个|gè}{方案|fāng'àn}{和|hé}{那|nà}{个|gè}{差不多|chàbuduō}.

This plan and that one are roughly the same.

1

{他|tā}{的|de}{观点|guāndiǎn}{与|yǔ}{我|wǒ}{的|de}{差不多|chàbuduō}.

His viewpoint is similar to mine.

1

{做事|zuòshì}{不能|bùnéng}{总|zǒng}{是|shì}{差不多|chàbuduō}{就|jiù}{行|xíng}.

You can't always just settle for 'good enough' when doing things.

Easily Confused

Chinese Comparisons: 'Almost the Same' with 差不多 (chàbuduō) vs 几乎 (jīhū)

Both mean 'almost'.

Common Mistakes

✗

很差不多

✓

差不多

Do not use 'very' with 'about the same'.
✗

差不多高

✓

差不多

Wait, this is actually okay, but don't add 'hen'.
✗

差不多是

✓

差不多

Don't add 'is' (shi) unnecessarily.
✗

差不多一样

✓

差不多

Redundant, just use one.
✗

差不多三点钟

✓

差不多三点

Keep it simple.
✗

差不多了做

✓

做差不多了

Word order error.
✗

我差不多跑

✓

我差不多跑完了

Needs a completion marker.
✗

几乎差不多

✓

差不多

Redundant.
✗

差不多等于

✓

差不多

Too formal/mathematical.
✗

差不多一样高

✓

差不多高

Pick one.
✗

差不多是这样子

✓

差不多

Too wordy.
✗

差不多等于零

✓

几乎为零

Use 'jihu' for statistics.
✗

差不多相同

✓

差不多

Redundant.

Sentence Patterns

___ 和 ___ 差不多。

Real World Usage

Texting constant

差不多了。

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💡

Avoid 'hen'

Never use 'hen' before chabuduo.

Smart Tips

Just say A B 差不多.

A 和 B 很差不多 → A 和 B 差不多

Pronunciation

cha-bu-duo

Tone change

The 'bu' in chabuduo is often neutral tone.

Falling

差不多↘

Finality or agreement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Chà (difference) + bù (not) + duō (much) = Difference is not much.

Visual Association

Imagine two identical twins standing side by side. They aren't 100% identical, but they are 'chàbuduō'.

Rhyme

Difference not much, chàbuduō, it's the word you need to know.

Story

I asked my friend if the two cakes were the same. He said 'chàbuduō'. I ate one, and it was almost the same as the other. Now I use it for everything.

Word Web

差不多一样大约差一点几乎差不多了

Challenge

Look at two items in your room and say 'X 和 Y 差不多' out loud.

Cultural Notes

The 'Chabuduo' spirit is a famous cultural concept about prioritizing 'good enough' over perfection.

Classical Chinese roots meaning 'difference' (cha) 'not' (bu) 'much' (duo).

Conversation Starters

“

这两个东西差不多吗？

Journal Prompts

Describe your day using 差不多.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

这两个 ___.

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

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

这两个 ___.

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

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Reorder the words to say: 'My computer is about the same as his.' Sentence Reorder

[{他的|tā de}, {电脑|diànnǎo}, {我的|wǒ de}, {和|hé}, {差不多|chàbuduō}]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我的电脑和他的差不多。|wǒ de diànnǎo hé tā de chàbuduō.}
Translate 'It's about 5 o'clock' into Chinese. Translation

It is about 5 o'clock.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {现在差不多五点。|xiànzài chàbuduō wǔ diǎn.}
Match the English phrase with the Chinese translation. Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: n/a
Which is the most natural way to say you're 'almost' at the restaurant? Multiple Choice

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {我差不多到了餐厅。|wǒ chàbuduō dàole cāntīng.}
Fill in the blank: 'These two apps are ___.' Fill in the Blank

{这两个软件用起来___。|zhè liǎng gè ruǎnjiàn yòng qǐlái ___.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 差不多
Correct this sentence: 'His car is about the same as mine.' Error Correction

{他的车差不多我的车。|tā de chē chàbuduō wǒ de chē.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {他的车跟我的车差不多。|tā de chē gēn wǒ de chē chàbuduō.}
Reorder: 'It's almost winter.' Sentence Reorder

[{了|le}, {冬天|dōngtiān}, {差不多|chàbuduō}, {到|dào}]

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
Translate: 'The price is about 100 dollars.' Translation

The price is about 100 dollars.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {价格差不多一百块。|jiàgé chàbuduō yībǎi kuài.}
Which one uses 'chabuduo' to mean 'good enough' or 'sufficient'? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {好了，差不多了，别再加盐了。|hǎole, chàbuduō le, bié zài jiā yán le.}
Fill in the blank: 'He is about as tall as his father.' Fill in the Blank

{他跟他爸爸___高。|tā gēn tā bàba ___ gāo.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 差不多

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

Mostly, yes.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

más o menos

None, very similar.

French high

à peu près

None.

German moderate

ungefähr

Chabuduo is more colloquial.

Japanese high

だいたい

None.

Arabic high

تقريباً

None.

Chinese high

差不多

N/A

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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

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