较

• Pinyin: jiào
• Hanzi breakdown: 较 = 车 (vehicle) + 交 (cross, phonetic component)

Meaning

Comparatively; relatively; rather. Used before adjectives to indicate a moderate degree of comparison.

A formal or written alternative to 比较 when used as an adverb meaning 'relatively' or 'rather.' Commonly seen in news, formal writing, and educated speech. It softens an adjective, suggesting the quality is notable but not extreme. Less colloquial than 比较.

Examples

1. 今天的天气较冷，多穿点衣服。 The weather is rather cold today — put on more clothes.
2. 这家餐厅的价格较高。 The prices at this restaurant are relatively high.
3. 他的中文水平较好，可以看中文电影。 His Chinese level is fairly good; he can watch Chinese films.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, news, academic, formal speech

Tone: measured

Do Say

• 这个方法较简单。(This method is relatively simple.)
• 最近工作较忙。(Work has been rather busy lately.)

Don't Say

• 我较喜欢吃苹果。(Don't use 较 before verbs — it modifies adjectives only. Say 我比较喜欢吃苹果 or 我更喜欢吃苹果.)

Origin & History

Originally written as 較, from 车 (cart) + 交 (phonetic), originally meaning to compare the height of carriage rails. The comparison meaning gradually generalised to 'relatively' or 'comparatively.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal