比
Pattern
A 比 B + adjective
Key words
Core idea
比 creates a comparison by putting the standard after 比 and the quality after that. The sentence first names what is being described, then the thing it is compared against.
The adjective carries the result of the comparison. 很 is usually unnecessary in the basic form because the comparison already gives the adjective enough support.
Beginner boundary
Do not translate English “than” word by word. Learn the whole comparison shape as a Mandarin pattern.
The basic pattern is for “more adjective than.” Negative comparisons get nuanced quickly, so do not assume 不比 or 不是比 is a plain mirror of English “not as.” These forms often sound like you are pushing back against an assumption.
For beginner pages, keep the first pattern simple: item A, 比, item B, adjective. Add degree words later only when you have a clear reason.
Examples
今天比昨天热。
Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān rè.
Today is hotter than yesterday.
The thing being described comes before 比.
她比我高。
Tā bǐ wǒ gāo.
She is taller than me.
这家店比那家便宜。
Zhè jiā diàn bǐ nà jiā piányí.
This shop is cheaper than that one.
Common mistakes
Avoid
她高比我。
Use
她比我高。
The adjective comes after the 比 phrase.
Avoid
她比我很高。
Use
她比我高。
Do not use 很 directly before the adjective in a basic 比 comparison.
Seen in stories
The Better Pineapple Cake
阿哲说东街的凤梨酥比西街的好吃。
Azhe says East Street’s pineapple cakes taste better than West Street’s.
The Better Pineapple Cake
阿哲说：“第二块比第一块好。”
Azhe says, “The second one is better than the first.”
The Better Pineapple Cake
外婆端着空盘走进来，笑得比他们还开心。
Grandma walks in carrying an empty plate, smiling even more happily than they are.
The Better Pineapple Cake
最后，阿哲和小芸都承认，外婆做的比两家店的都好吃。
In the end, Azhe and Xiaoyun both admit Grandma’s taste better than either shop’s.
Night Market Budget
鸡排比珍珠奶茶贵。
The chicken cutlet was more expensive than bubble tea.