How to use 更
更 + Adj.
更 before a descriptive word expresses a greater degree than a comparison point. The comparison may be obvious from the conversation, so the sentence does not always need to name the alternative. English may translate it as “more,” a comparative ending, or “even more,” depending on the emphasis.
An explicit comparison can add a 比 phrase before 更 and the adjective. 更 then strengthens or highlights the increase within that comparison. Although teaching explanations often emphasize “even more,” the earlier quality does not always have to be especially high. Focus on the relation between degrees rather than assuming an absolute intensity. The adjective itself remains unchanged, unlike many English comparative forms.
Examples with pinyin and English
这两个银行哪个更近？
Between these two banks, which one is closer?
我想找一个更帅的男朋友。
I want to find a more handsome boyfriend.
我喜欢在网上买书，因为更便宜。
I like buying books online because it's cheaper.
不要太高兴，我们还有更多的工作要做。
Don't get too excited. We still have more work to do.
What to remember
- Place 更 before the descriptive word.
- The comparison point may be unstated.
- A 比 phrase can name the comparison.
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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.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.