Meaning
比 is one of the most fundamental comparison words in Mandarin. As a preposition, it means 'than' or 'compared to' and is used to form comparative sentences. As a verb, it means 'to compare'. The basic pattern is A 比 B + adjective, meaning 'A is more [adjective] than B'.
Usage
Native speakers use 比 constantly in everyday comparisons. The word order is crucial: the thing being compared comes first, then 比, then the reference point, then the adjective (without 更 in simple comparisons). For example: 他比我高 (He is taller than me). It's neutral register and appropriate in all contexts.
Examples
- 01今天比昨天冷。.Today is colder than yesterday.
- 02她的中文比我说得好。.She speaks Chinese better than me.
Common collocations
- 比...更...even more ... than
- 比起compared to
- 比如for example
- 比不上cannot compare to, not as good as
Origin
The character 比 originally depicted two people standing side by side, suggesting the idea of comparison or juxtaposition. This pictographic origin directly relates to its modern meaning of comparing things.