HSK 7
比较句6
bǐ jiào jù 6
Comparative sentences with '比起⋯⋯（来）' and 'A+adjective+于+B'
Explanation
These are three advanced comparison sentence patterns. They all express comparison but differ in nuance and usage.
(1) 比起 (bǐqǐ) + B + （来 lái），+ [remark about A]: introduces object B for contrast, "compared with B, A…". (2) A + adjective + 于 (yú) + B: here 于 acts as a preposition (a word placed before a noun to indicate a relationship) meaning "than," e.g. 重于 (zhòng yú) = "heavier/more important than," 高于 (gāo yú) = "higher than." (3) A + 比 (bǐ) + noun + 还 (hái) + that same noun: repeating the noun to say "A is even more so than a [typical X]," e.g. 比绅士还绅士 = "more of a gentleman than a gentleman."
pattern (1) is flexible, used in both speech and writing; pattern (2) A + adjective + 于 + B is very formal, belonging to formal/written usage (found in books and documents); pattern (3) carries an exaggerated flavor, often used for emphasis or sarcasm.
pattern (2) uses 于 in place of 比 (bǐ), with the adjective before 于 (unlike the ordinary 比 sentence, where the adjective comes after); pattern (3) differs from the ordinary 比 sentence in that the second part repeats the very same noun rather than an adjective.
in pattern (2), misplacing the adjective (it must be "adjective + 于," not 于…重); in pattern (3), forgetting to repeat the correct noun (it must be 比绅士还绅士, not an adjective); confusing 比起…来 with the ordinary 比 sentence.
Examples
(1) The formula 比起…（来）: used to introduce the object brought in for comparison, "compared with…".
Compared with other people, my thinking is far too simple.
Compared with singing, he prefers dancing.
(2) The formula A + adjective + 于 + B: "A is more [quality] than B."
The process of a person's self-realization is more important than the result.
On the construction site, the safety of the workers is above everything, greater than everything.
(3) The formula A + 比 + noun + 还 + noun: "A is even more than a [typical noun]."
He is downright more of a bandit than a bandit!
In high society, he puts on airs more like a gentleman than a real gentleman.
Practice
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Learn “比较句6” effectively
The grammar point “比较句6” (Comparative sentences with '比起⋯⋯（来）' and 'A+adjective+于+B') is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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