比较

• Pinyin: bǐ jiào
• Hanzi breakdown: 比 = two people side by side, meaning to compare; 较 = 车 (vehicle) + 交 (cross), suggesting comparison

Meaning

Relatively; rather; to compare. Used as an adverb to indicate a moderate degree, or as a verb meaning to make a comparison.

As an adverb, 比较 softens statements — saying 比较好 is gentler than saying 很好. As a verb, it means to compare two or more things. Extremely common in everyday speech to express moderate opinions or make hedged assessments.

Examples

1. 今天的天气比较热。 Today's weather is relatively hot.
2. 你可以比较一下这两个手机的价格。 You can compare the prices of these two phones.
3. 我比较喜欢吃中餐。 I prefer Chinese food.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, opinion, evaluation

Tone: moderate

Do Say

• 这个比较适合你。(This one is relatively suitable for you.)
• 我们比较一下吧。(Let's compare them.)

Don't Say

• 这个比较最好。(Don't use 比较 with superlatives like 最 — 比较 indicates moderate degree. Say 这个最好 or 这个比较好)

Origin & History

比 (compare, side by side) + 较 (compare, relatively). Both characters relate to comparison, reinforcing the meaning.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal