比 bǐ
“to compare; (followed by a noun and adjective) more {adj.} than {noun}; ratio”
preposition, verb, noun, attributiveHSK 2 · 2021 list level 1
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
比 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 309: 比 bǐ — Level 2; official annotation 2 (动、介). PDF page 87
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 比
比 (bǐ) is the everyday word for comparing two people or things: A 比 B + adjective means 'A is more [adjective] than B'. The adjective comes after 比, and you do not put 很 or 非常 before it; you can add an amount after the adjective to show the difference (e.g. 大三岁).
例句Example sentences
- 今天比昨天热。jīn tiān bǐ zuó tiān rè.Today is hotter than yesterday.
- 我哥哥比我大三岁。wǒ gē ge bǐ wǒ dà sān suì.My older brother is three years older than me.
- 坐火车比坐飞机便宜。zuò huǒ chē bǐ zuò fēi jī pián yi.Taking the train is cheaper than taking a plane.
常见错误Common mistakes
-
✗我比他很高。
✓我比他高。
In the A 比 B + adjective pattern, the adjective is not preceded by 很.
-
✗我比他不高。
✓我不比他高。
To negate a 比 comparison, put 不 before 比, not before the adjective.
深度指南Grammar & comparison guides
义项All meanings
- Bǐ: Belgium; Belgian; abbr. for 比利时
- bī: euphemistic variant of 屄
- bǐ: to compare; (followed by a noun and adjective) more {adj.} than {noun}; ratio; to gesture; (Taiwan pr. [bì] in some compounds derived from Classical Chinese)