HSK 2
比较句2
bǐ jiào jù 2
Comparative sentences with '比' (type 2)
Explanation
These are extended comparison sentence patterns using 比 (bǐ, more than) and other ways of comparing, showing exactly how A and B differ.
a complement of quantity is a component placed after the adjective that tells how much the difference is (two years, a little).
there are 4 patterns. (1) A + 比 (bǐ) + B + adjective + quantity: states the specific gap — 大两岁 (older by two years), 凉快一些 (cooler by a bit). (2) A + 比 + B + 更 (gèng)/还 (hái) + adjective: emphasizes A being even more so — 更贵 (even more expensive). (3) A + 不如 (bùrú) + B (+ adjective): A is inferior to B — 火车不如飞机快 (a train is not as fast as a plane). (4) A + 有 (yǒu) + B (+ 这么 zhème/那么 nàme) + adjective: A reaches the level of B, often used to ask — 你哥哥有你高吗？
(1) when you know exactly how big the gap is; (2) when emphasizing being far more so; (3) when saying A falls short of B; (4) when asking or saying A is on par with B.
比 is used when A is MORE than B; 不如 when A is LESS than B; 有...(这么/那么) when A is EQUAL to B or to ask whether it is equal.
(1) Adding 很 (hěn, very) to a 比 sentence: it is wrong to say 比我很高; to emphasize, you must use 更/还 (比我更高). (2) Placing the difference-in-quantity in the wrong spot; it must come AFTER the adjective (大两岁), not 两岁大. (3) For negative sentences use 不如 or 没有, and avoid mechanically saying 不比, because 不比 has a different meaning (not necessarily more so).
Examples
Formula (1): A 比 B + adjective + complement of quantity (states the specific difference)
My older sister is two years older than me.
It is a bit cooler outside the room than inside.
Formula (2): A 比 B + 更/还 (even more/still more) + adjective
His phone is even more expensive than mine.
Today is even cooler than yesterday.
Formula (3): A 不如 B (+ adjective), meaning A is not as good as B
My Chinese grades are not as good as the class monitor's.
A train is not as fast as a plane.
Formula (4): A 有 B (+ 这么/那么, this/that much) + adjective, asking/affirming that A reaches B's level
Is your older brother as tall as you?
Her family's courtyard is as big as a whole basketball court.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “比较句2” effectively
The grammar point “比较句2” (Comparative sentences with '比' (type 2)) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.