How to use 倍
Noun 1 + 是 + Noun 2 + 的 + Number + 倍
倍 expresses a ratio between two quantities. In the 是…的…倍 structure, the number states the total size of the first quantity relative to the second. Identify both quantities clearly, using matching measurements such as salary, output, or area. A reference to an earlier time can stand for the corresponding earlier amount.
A comparative pattern with 比 and an adjective can instead describe the additional amount. This changes the arithmetic: an increase of one reference amount produces a total of two reference amounts. English wording such as “times more” is often ambiguous, so calculate the intended ratio before choosing the Chinese pattern. The 是 pattern is especially useful when an exact total multiple matters.
Examples with pinyin and English
他现在的工资是两年前的四倍。
His current salary is four times what it was two years ago.
公司现在的规模是十年前的五倍。
The company's current scope is five times what it was 10 years ago.
今年的产量是去年的两倍。
This year's output is twice as much as last year's.
我家客厅比你家客厅大一倍。
My home's living room is double the size of your home's living room.
What to remember
- 是…的…倍 states the total ratio.
- A comparative increase adds to the original amount.
- Compare quantities measured on the same basis.
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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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