更

• Pinyin: gèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 更 = originally a pictograph related to alternation and change; used phonetically for the comparative meaning

Meaning

Even more; still more. An adverb used to indicate a higher degree in comparisons.

Placed before adjectives or verbs to form comparisons. Unlike 比, which explicitly states two items being compared, 更 simply indicates a higher degree. One of the most common comparative words in Chinese.

Examples

1. 今天比昨天更冷了。 Today is even colder than yesterday.
2. 你应该更努力地学习。 You should study even harder.
3. 这个办法更好。 This method is better.

Usage Guide

Context: comparisons, everyday conversation, writing

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 这本书更有意思。(This book is even more interesting.)
• 我希望明天更好。(I hope tomorrow will be even better.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'更最好' — do not combine 更 with 最 (superlative). Use either 更好 (even better) or 最好 (the best), never both together.

Origin & History

In Classical Chinese, 更 originally meant 'to change' or 'to alternate' (as in 更换). The comparative meaning evolved from the sense of 'going further.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal