比

• 拼音: bǐ
• 汉字拆解: 比 = pictograph of two people side by side, representing comparison

含义

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.

例句

1. 今天比昨天冷。
2. 他比我大两岁。
3. 坐飞机比坐火车快。

用法指南

语境: everyday, descriptions

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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)

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal