Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== bǐjiào: 比较 - To Compare, Relatively, Comparatively, Quite ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** bijiao, bǐjiào, 比较, how to compare in Chinese, Chinese word for relatively, comparatively in Chinese, quite in Chinese, Chinese grammar comparison, A 比 B, 比较 vs 更, HSK 3 grammar, Chinese adverbs * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word **比较 (bǐjiào)**, a versatile term used both as a verb meaning "to compare" and as a crucial adverb meaning "relatively" or "quite". This guide breaks down its dual functions, providing rich cultural context, dozens of practical examples, and clear explanations of common mistakes, such as confusing it with 更 (gèng). Master **比较 (bǐjiào)** to make your spoken Chinese sound more natural, nuanced, and modest. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** bǐjiào * **Part of Speech:** Verb, Adverb * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 * **Concise Definition:** To compare (verb); relatively, comparatively, quite (adverb). * **In a Nutshell:** 比较 (bǐjiào) is one of the most useful words for expressing degrees and making comparisons in Chinese. As a verb, it's the formal action of "comparing" two or more things. More commonly, you'll hear it used as an adverb to soften an adjective. Instead of saying something is "very hot," you can say it's "**比较**热" (bǐjiào rè) or "relatively hot," which is a more common and nuanced way of expressing oneself in everyday conversation. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **比 (bǐ):** This character's ancient form depicts two people standing side-by-side, as if for comparison. Its core meaning is "to compare," "ratio," or to be parallel with. * **较 (jiào):** This character also means "to compare" or "to contrast." The left-side radical is 车 (chē), meaning "cart" or "vehicle." It signifies comparing things, perhaps like two carts racing or being measured against each other. * Together, 比 (bǐ) and 较 (jiào) form a compound word that reinforces the idea of "comparison." Combining two characters with similar meanings is a common way to create a more formal or specific word in Chinese. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== While 比较 (bǐjiào) is a grammatical tool, its frequent use as an adverb ("relatively") taps into a core aspect of Chinese communication: indirectness and modesty (谦虚 - qiānxū). In many Western cultures, especially American culture, direct and strong statements are common ("This food is amazing!" "He's a genius."). In contrast, traditional Chinese culture often favors subtlety and humility. Making absolute statements can be seen as arrogant or immature. Using 比较 (bǐjiào) is a perfect way to express an opinion or state a fact without being overly absolute. Saying "我的中文**比较**好" (My Chinese is relatively good) is more humble and common than saying "我的中文很好" (My Chinese is very good), even if your Chinese is, in fact, excellent. It leaves room for others and acknowledges that "good" is a relative concept. This habit of qualifying statements is a key feature of sounding more like a native speaker. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== ==== As an Adverb (Relatively, Quite) ==== This is the most common usage of 比较. The structure is simple: `比较 + Adjective/Psychological Verb`. It's used constantly in daily conversation to describe weather, food, people, situations, and feelings. It's less intense than "very" (很 - hěn) or "extremely" (非常 - fēicháng). * **Formality:** Neutral. Used in both casual conversation and formal writing. * **Connotation:** Can be positive, negative, or neutral depending on the adjective that follows. ==== As a Verb (To Compare) ==== When used as a verb, 比较 means to actively carry out a comparison. It is slightly more formal than the simple `A 比 B` structure. * **Common Structures:** * `把 A 和 B **比较**一下` (bǎ A hé B bǐjiào yíxià) - Let's compare A and B. * `A 跟 B **比较**起来...` (A gēn B bǐjiào qǐlái...) - When A is compared with B... ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 今天的气温**比较**高。 * Pinyin: Jīntiān de qìwēn **bǐjiào** gāo. * English: Today's temperature is relatively high. * Analysis: A classic example of using 比较 as an adverb to modify an adjective (高 - gāo). This is a very natural way to talk about the weather. * **Example 2:** * 我觉得这件衣服**比较**贵。 * Pinyin: Wǒ juéde zhè jiàn yīfu **bǐjiào** guì. * English: I feel this piece of clothing is quite expensive. * Analysis: Here, 比较 is used to express an opinion softly. It's less direct than saying "it's too expensive" (太贵了 - tài guì le). * **Example 3:** * 他这个人**比较**内向，不太喜欢说话。 * Pinyin: Tā zhè ge rén **bǐjiào** nèixiàng, bú tài xǐhuān shuōhuà. * English: He is a relatively introverted person and doesn't like to talk much. * Analysis: Used here to describe a personality trait in a nuanced way. * **Example 4:** * 我**比较**喜欢喝茶，不太喜欢喝咖啡。 * Pinyin: Wǒ **bǐjiào** xǐhuān hē chá, bú tài xǐhuān hē kāfēi. * English: I prefer drinking tea; I don't like coffee as much. * Analysis: 比较 can modify psychological verbs like 喜欢 (xǐhuān - to like). It's a gentle way to state a preference. * **Example 5:** * 这次考试的题目**比较**难。 * Pinyin: Zhè cì kǎoshì de tímù **bǐjiào** nán. * English: The questions on this exam were comparatively difficult. * Analysis: Implies a comparison to past exams or general expectations without stating it explicitly. * **Example 6:** * 我们把这两个方案**比较**一下，看看哪个更好。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen bǎ zhè liǎng ge fāng'àn **bǐjiào** yíxià, kànkan nǎge gèng hǎo. * English: Let's compare these two proposals and see which one is better. * Analysis: Here, 比较 is used as a verb, meaning the action of comparing. The 把 (bǎ) structure is common. * **Example 7:** * 跟去年**比较**起来，今年的生意好多了。 * Pinyin: Gēn qùnián **bǐjiào** qǐlái, jīnnián de shēngyi hǎo duō le. * English: Compared to last year, business is much better this year. * Analysis: This sentence structure `跟...比较起来` (gēn...bǐjiào qǐlái) is a formal way to use 比较 as a verb to set up a comparison. * **Example 8:** * 坐地铁**比较**方便，因为不会堵车。 * Pinyin: Zuò dìtiě **bǐjiào** fāngbiàn, yīnwèi bú huì dǔchē. * English: Taking the subway is more convenient because you won't get stuck in traffic. * Analysis: A practical use of 比较 to give a suggestion or state an advantage of one option over another (implied) option, like taking a taxi. * **Example 9:** * 老板最近**比较**忙，可能没时间见你。 * Pinyin: Lǎobǎn zuìjìn **bǐjiào** máng, kěnéng méi shíjiān jiàn nǐ. * English: The boss has been pretty busy recently, he probably doesn't have time to see you. * Analysis: A common way to describe someone's state. Using "比较忙" sounds more natural than "很忙" in many contexts. * **Example 10:** * 这个问题的解释**比较**复杂，我需要一点时间。 * Pinyin: Zhè ge wèntí de jiěshì **bǐjiào** fùzá, wǒ xūyào yìdiǎn shíjiān. * English: The explanation for this problem is rather complex, I need a little time. * Analysis: Shows how 比较 can be used to describe abstract concepts like complexity. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **"比较 (bǐjiào)" vs. "更 (gèng)":** This is the most common point of confusion for learners. * **比较 (bǐjiào)** means "relatively" or "comparatively." It implies a comparison against a general standard or an unstated norm. It softens a statement. * Example: `上海的冬天**比较**冷。` (Shànghǎi de dōngtiān **bǐjiào** lěng.) - Shanghai's winters are relatively cold. (Compared to a general idea of winter). * **更 (gèng)** means "even more." It requires a clear, direct comparison between two things. It intensifies a statement. * Example: `北京的冬天比上海的**更**冷。` (Běijīng de dōngtiān bǐ Shànghǎi de **gèng** lěng.) - Beijing's winters are even colder than Shanghai's. * **Mistake:** Saying `北京的冬天比较上海的冷` is grammatically incorrect. You must use `比` and `更` for this direct comparison. * **"比较 (bǐjiào)" vs. "很 (hěn)":** * In modern Mandarin, **很 (hěn)** often acts as a simple linker and doesn't always mean "very." `我很好` just means "I'm fine." * **比较 (bǐjiào)** always carries the meaning of "in comparison" or "to a certain degree." Using it adds more nuance than using 很. `我比较好` could mean "I'm doing better (than before)." * **Cannot Modify Nouns:** * 比较 modifies adjectives and verbs. You cannot use it to modify a noun directly. * **Incorrect:** `他比较是一个好老师。` * **Correct:** `他是一个**比较**好的老师。` (Tā shì yí ge **bǐjiào** hǎo de lǎoshī.) - He is a relatively good teacher. (Here, 比较 modifies the adjective 好, not the noun 老师). ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[比]] (bǐ) - The single character for "to compare," used in the fundamental `A 比 B + Adj.` structure for direct comparisons. * [[更]] (gèng) - Means "even more." Used with 比 to show a greater degree in a direct comparison. It's the intensifier that 比较 is not. * [[相当]] (xiāngdāng) - A synonym for "quite," "fairly," or "considerably." It is often a bit stronger in degree than 比较. * [[有点儿]] (yǒudiǎnr) - Means "a little bit." It is usually used for undesirable or negative qualities (e.g., `有点儿贵` - a bit expensive). 比较 is more neutral. * [[还]] (hái) - As in `还行 (hái xíng)` or `还可以 (hái kěyǐ)`. It means "passably," "okay," or "so-so," expressing a moderate level of acceptance. * [[差不多]] (chàbuduō) - Means "almost the same," "more or less," or "about." Used when comparing things that are very similar. * [[相对来说]] (xiāngduì lái shuō) - A more formal, four-character phrase meaning "relatively speaking" or "in comparison." It often starts a sentence.