比
The 比 radical
To compare
Memory hook
Two people standing side by side facing the same way to measure up against each other — the opposite of 北 (back to back): 比较 (to compare), 毕业 (to graduate).
The 比 radical (read bǐ) means to compare. The HSK 3.0 data contains 3 characters and 26 words built on it — learning them together is far faster than one character at a time.
Practise the 比 radical
Study this radical's 26 words with flashcards or a quiz.
The free plan drills 15 words per radical. Upgrade to Premium
Characters with the 比 radical
3 charactersHSK 1· 1 characters
HSK 1比
to compare
HSK 4· 1 characters
HSK 4毕
to finish, to complete
HSK 7-9· 1 characters
HSK 7-9毙
to die; to be killed
Vocabulary with the 比 radical
26 wordsWords containing at least one character with the 比 radical, ordered by HSK level.
The free plan shows 9 words per HSK level (23/26 words of this radical).
to compare
for example; such as
for example; for instance
ratio; proportion
match; competition; contest
to compare
compared with
to contrast, to compare
score
to graduate
graduate, graduating student
example, analogy
proportion, ratio
after all, in the end
to be like; just as
finished, completed
ratio of value to price, cost-performance ratio
incomparable, unparalleled
to shoot dead, execute by firing squad
cannot compare with
metaphor; to compare; figure of speech
to be found everywhere
to compete in skill; to have a contest (of skill, martial arts, etc.)
Why learn vocabulary by the 比 radical?
The 比 radical hints at the meaning to compare. When you meet an unfamiliar character carrying it, you already know part of its meaning before reaching for a dictionary — which is why learners who know their radicals move faster.
How to study: read the memory hook, skim the 3 characters to spot the pattern, then drill the 26 words with flashcards. Spaced repetition brings each word back exactly when you need it.