How to use 跟…比
跟 + Noun 1 + 比 (起来) ，Noun 2⋯⋯
跟…比 introduces a reference point before the main comment. It is useful when you want to frame an evaluation broadly rather than immediately state a single adjective after 比. The comment can describe a difference, a preference, or an advantage. The item after 跟 supplies the standard against which that comment is assessed.
起来 can follow 比 to make the comparison frame more explicit, and 和 can often replace 跟. The thing being evaluated may appear before the frame or become the subject of the following clause. Keep the comparison logically parallel: a cost should be assessed against a comparable cost, and a person’s ability against the corresponding ability of the reference person.
Examples with pinyin and English
跟上海比，我老家的物价很低。
Compared to Shanghai, prices in my hometown are very low.
跟东部比，我更喜欢美国西部。
Compared to the eastern USA, I like the western USA more.
跟他比，你最大的优势是什么？
Compared to him, what is your biggest advantage?
妹妹跟姐姐比起来有点害羞。
Compared to the older sister, the younger sister is a bit shy.
What to remember
- The noun after 跟 is the reference point.
- 比起来 is a common expanded frame.
- Compare corresponding qualities or quantities.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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