Comparative Sentences 2: Specific Differences
比较句2
Make comparisons with specific quantity differences and intensified degree using 比
Pattern 1: Use 比 with a specific quantity to show exactly how much A exceeds B. Pattern 2: Use 更 (even more) or 还 (even more, with surprise) to intensify the comparison.
Pattern 1 adds precision — "older by two years." Pattern 2 adds emphasis — "even more expensive." Both build on the basic 比 comparison from earlier lessons.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Comparative Sentences 2: Specific Differences (比较句2)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 比较句2 pattern
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Understanding 比较句2
You already know the basic 比 comparison: A 比 B + adjective. Now you will learn to make these comparisons more precise and more expressive. Pattern 1 adds a quantity complement: 姐姐比我大两岁 tells you exactly how much older your sister is. Pattern 2 uses 更 or 还 to intensify: 他的手机比我的更贵 means his phone is even more expensive than mine. The word 更 (gèng) simply means "even more" and is neutral. The word 还 (hái) also means "even more" but often carries a tone of surprise or unexpectedness — 今天比昨天还凉快 suggests you are surprised it got even cooler. These two patterns transform your comparisons from basic to sophisticated, allowing you to express the exact degree and your attitude toward the difference.
Key Points
- A 比 B + adjective + number/measure: 姐姐比我大两岁 (Sister is two years older than me).
- A 比 B + adjective + 一点儿/一些/得多: for vague quantities (see GP-53).
- A 比 B + 更 + adjective: "even more" — neutral intensifier.
- A 比 B + 还 + adjective: "even more" — often implies surprise.
- 更 emphasizes that something exceeds what is already considerable.
- 还 suggests the speaker finds the degree unexpected or noteworthy.
- You cannot use 很 in 比 sentences — use 更, 还, or a quantity complement instead.
- These patterns combine: A 比 B 更/还 + adjective + quantity complement is possible but less common.
Using 更 and 还 in comparisons reflects how Chinese speakers communicate nuance and emotion. 还 in particular shows personal reaction — it is like saying "can you believe it, it is even more..." This makes conversations feel more personal and engaging.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
姐姐比我大两岁。
My older sister is two years older than me.
Specific quantity
房间外边比里边凉快一些。
Outside the room is somewhat cooler than inside.
他的手机比我的更贵。
His phone is even more expensive than mine.
更 = even more (neutral)
今天比昨天还凉快。
Today is even cooler than yesterday.
还 = even more (surprised)
这次考试比上次难得多。
This exam was much harder than the last one.
弟弟比我矮五厘米。
My younger brother is five centimeters shorter than me.
北京的冬天比上海更冷。
Beijing winters are even colder than Shanghai.
他比以前还胖了。
He has gotten even fatter than before.
Surprised tone
Common Mistakes
很 cannot appear in 比 comparisons. Use 更, 还, or a quantity complement to express degree.
更 and 还 go after 比 B and before the adjective, not before 比.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Never use 很 in a 比 sentence — this is the golden rule of Chinese comparisons.
更 is your safe, neutral choice for "even more." Use it when you are just stating a fact.
还 adds your personal reaction — surprise, emphasis, or "can you believe it." Use it when you want to express feeling.
Combine patterns: 比 + adjective + quantity for precision, 比 + 更/还 + adjective for emphasis.
Homework
Write five comparison sentences using specific quantities (ages, prices, heights, temperatures) and five using 更 or 还 to express intensified comparisons. For the 还 sentences, add context that explains why you are surprised.