Languages 1001

title: Prepositions – “比” for Making Comparisons in Chinese description: Learn how to use the preposition “比” (bǐ) to compare people, places, and things in simple sentences. level: HSK1 language: chinese type: fill

Ready to play “Who's taller?”, “Which room is bigger?” and “Who eats more dumplings?” in Chinese? Meet your new favorite word: 比 (bǐ)! This tiny but powerful preposition helps you compare all sorts of things—from giraffes to hamburgers, to who finished their homework the fastest (Lili, obviously).

What does 比 (bǐ) mean?
It simply means “than” or “compared to.” Use it to show how A is different from B in some way.

Basic Structure:
A 比 B + adjective

(Imagine 比 as a little balance scale between two things!)
Examples with our amazing cast:

• 哥哥 比 弟弟 高。
  The older brother (哥哥) is taller than the younger brother (弟弟).
  “Gēge bǐ dìdi gāo.”
• 这个房间 比 那个房间 大。
  This room is bigger than that room.
  “Zhège fángjiān bǐ nàge fángjiān dà.”
• 张莉莉 比 王浩然 忙。
  Lili is busier than Haoran.
  “Zhāng Lìlì bǐ Wáng Hàorán máng.”
• 刘志强的店 比 家 冷。
  Zhiqiang’s shop is colder than home.
  “Liú Zhìqiáng de diàn bǐ jiā lěng.”

Good news: You don’t need “is”, “are”, or “am” for comparisons with 比! No extra words needed.

Try saying:

• “My cat is fatter than your cat.” → “我的猫 比 你的猫 胖。” (Wǒ de māo bǐ nǐ de māo pàng.)
• “This baozi is tastier than that baozi.” → “这个包子 比 那个包子 好吃。” (Zhège bāozi bǐ nàge bāozi hǎochī.)

So, next time you want to brag—or politely point out someone’s amazing dumpling-eating ability—remember to use 比!

1. 张莉莉 王浩然 忙。

2. 这个房间 那个房间 大。

3. 哥哥 弟弟 高。

4. 王浩然 张晓彤 高。

5. 我的书 你的书 新。

6. 这个包子 那个包子 热。

7. 刘志强的店 家 冷。

(Psst! All the answers are the same word. 比 – Let’s see if you can “compare” to the best!)

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