01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
这个背包比我的轻。
This backpack is lighter than mine.
我的 stands for “my backpack”; the repeated noun can be left out.
今天比昨天暖和一点。
Today is a little warmer than yesterday.
一点 follows the adjective and makes the difference small.
坐地铁比坐公交车快。
Taking the metro is faster than taking the bus.
You can compare two activities, not only two nouns.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
Put the two things on either side of 比, then name the quality you are comparing. In 这条路比那条路短, the first route is shorter than the second. The adjective does the work of English “is shorter”; you do not need 是 or a separate word for “more.” Change the order of the two things and you change the direction of the comparison.
The basic pattern uses the adjective directly. Do not add 很 to make an ordinary 比 comparison. To describe a small difference, put 一点 after the adjective: 短一点 means “a little shorter.” For a clear numerical difference, the amount also follows the adjective. A comparison can refer to people, objects, places, or two points in time, provided the comparison makes sense.
For “not as … as,” a useful separate pattern is A 没有 B + adjective. A 不比 B + adjective means A is not more so than B; it can include equality. Those meanings are close but different.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid这个背包比我的很轻。
Use这个背包比我的轻。
In this ordinary comparison, use 轻 directly. 很 belongs in a different description such as 这个背包很轻, without 比.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 背包 | bēibāo | backpack |
| 轻 | qīng | light in weight |
| 暖和 | nuǎnhuo | warm |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
