HSK 5
比较句：跟⋯⋯相比；A+形容词+B+数量补语
bǐ jiào jù ： gēn ⋯ ⋯ xiāng bǐ ； A + xíng róng cí + B + shù liàng bǔ yǔ
Comparison 2: Using '跟...相比' and comparison structures with quantitative complements
Explanation
This lesson covers two ways of making comparisons. Type 1 is 跟……相比 (gēn……xiāngbǐ = compared with...); Type 2 is a comparative sentence with a quantity complement (an element after the adjective specifying exactly how much the difference is).
(1) 跟 (gēn = with) + A + 相比 (xiāngbǐ = compare)，B + ... → "Compared with A, B...", usually at the beginning of the sentence. (2) A + adjective + B + quantity → specifying exactly how much more/less, e.g. 她高我五厘米 (taller than me by 5cm), 大我十岁 (older than me by 10 years).
Use 跟……相比 when you want to state the comparative context in a fairly formal, clear way; use the "A + adjective + B + quantity" structure when you want to state precisely the difference in units.
跟……相比 only states the comparative relationship and does NOT itself state how much the difference is; whereas the quantity structure requires a specific number at the end.
Vietnamese learners often add an unnecessary 比 to the quantity sentence (e.g. wrong: 她比高我五厘米) — once you use the "A + adjective + B + quantity" pattern you do NOT need 比 anymore; and they often place the number in the wrong spot, whereas the quantity must be at the END, after B.
Examples
Compared with the last exam, this one is not as difficult.
Compared with others, my thinking is too simplistic.
Compared with grammar knowledge, I find pronunciation knowledge harder.
She is five centimeters taller than me.
He arrived ten minutes earlier than me.
My older sister is ten years older than me.
Practice
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Learn “比较句：跟⋯⋯相比；A+形容词+B+数量补语” effectively
The grammar point “比较句：跟⋯⋯相比；A+形容词+B+数量补语” (Comparison 2: Using '跟...相比' and comparison structures with quantitative complements) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. 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.
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