比

• Pinyin: bǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 比 = pictograph of two people side by side, representing comparison

Meaning

Compared to; to compare. A key preposition used in comparison sentences, and also a verb meaning to compare or compete.

The most common way to make comparisons in Chinese. The basic pattern is A 比 B + adjective: 他比我高 (He is taller than me). Can also function as a verb meaning to compare (比一比 compare a bit) or to compete (比赛 competition). Essential for expressing relative qualities and making choices.

Examples

1. 今天比昨天冷。 Today is colder than yesterday.
2. 他比我大两岁。 He is two years older than me.
3. 坐飞机比坐火车快。 Flying is faster than taking the train.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, descriptions

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 北京比上海大。(Beijing is bigger than Shanghai.)
• 你比以前高了很多。(You've grown much taller than before.)

Don't Say

• 说'他比我很高'。(Don't say 他比我很高 — don't use 很 in 比 comparisons; say 他比我高 or 他比我高很多)

Origin & History

Pictographic character depicting two people standing side by side, originally meaning to be close together, later evolving to mean to compare.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal