Degree Adverbs: 比较, 更加, 还, 相当
程度副词：比较、更加、还³、相当
Express nuanced degrees of intensity using 比较, 更加, 还, and 相当
Place the degree adverb before an adjective or verb to modify its intensity. Each adverb occupies a different position on the intensity spectrum, from moderate (比较) to considerable (相当).
比较 is moderate ("relatively"), 更加 emphasizes an increase ("even more"), 还 in this usage means "comparatively / somewhat more," and 相当 means "quite / considerably." These adverbs cannot stack on top of each other.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Degree Adverbs: 比较, 更加, 还, 相当 (程度副词：比较、更加、还³、相当)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 程度副词：比较、更加、还³、相当 pattern
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Understanding 程度副词：比较、更加、还³、相当
At HSK 2 you learned basic degree adverbs like 很, 真, and 特别. Now you are adding four more sophisticated ones that let you fine-tune exactly how much you mean. 比较 is your go-to for "relatively" or "fairly" — it is milder than 很 and perfect when you want to be moderate or diplomatic. 更加 means "even more" and is used when something has increased in degree, often in before-and-after comparisons. 还 in its third meaning (还³) is used in comparisons to say one thing is "somewhat better/more" than another. 相当 means "quite" or "considerably" — it sits between 很 and 非常 on the intensity scale and has a slightly formal, objective tone.
Key Points
- 比较 (bǐjiào) = relatively, fairly. Softer than 很: 比较好 = fairly good (not amazing, but decent).
- 更加 (gèngjiā) = even more, all the more. Often used with a contrast: 以前努力，现在更加努力 = was hardworking before, even more hardworking now.
- 还 (hái) in comparisons = somewhat more. 那个房间还干净一些 = that room is somewhat cleaner.
- 相当 (xiāngdāng) = quite, considerably. More formal and emphatic than 比较: 相当漂亮 = quite beautiful.
- 比较 often appears in polite or understated speech — Chinese speakers use it to avoid sounding too absolute.
- 更加 typically requires context showing a change or contrast — it answers "compared to what?"
- 还 + adj + 一些 is a common comparison pattern: 这个还便宜一些 = this one is somewhat cheaper.
- 相当 can modify both positive and negative adjectives: 相当好, 相当难, 相当危险.
Chinese communication values modesty and understatement. Using 比较 instead of 很 or 非常 shows social awareness — saying 我比较喜欢 (I relatively like it) is more polished than 我很喜欢 (I really like it) in many formal or first-meeting situations.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我比较喜欢游泳。
I relatively prefer swimming.
她以前学习就很努力，现在更加努力了。
She was already hardworking before; now she works even harder.
这个房间不干净，那个房间还干净一些。
This room is not clean; that room is somewhat cleaner.
这个公园的景色相当漂亮。
The scenery of this park is quite beautiful.
今天的考试比较难。
Today's exam was relatively difficult.
经过练习，他的发音更加标准了。
After practice, his pronunciation became even more standard.
这家餐厅的菜相当地道。
The food at this restaurant is quite authentic.
这件衣服还好看一些。
This piece of clothing is somewhat better-looking.
Common Mistakes
更加 is typically used for changes over time or with abstract qualities, not simple physical comparisons. For simple "taller," use 更 alone.
Degree adverbs cannot be stacked. Choose one: 相当好 (quite good) or 比较好 (relatively good).
When 还 modifies an adjective in a comparison, it must appear in the correct position — typically with 得 after the verb.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Intensity ranking from low to high: 比较 < 很 < 相当 < 非常 < 特别. This helps you pick the right adverb for each situation.
更加 almost always needs a backstory — it answers the question "more than before" or "more than expected." Without that context, just use 更.
比较 is your best friend in polite Chinese. When someone asks your opinion, 比较好 sounds diplomatic and thoughtful.
相当 has a slightly objective or authoritative feel. You will hear it often in news reports and formal evaluations.
Homework
Write a short comparison of two cities you have visited. Use all four degree adverbs (比较, 更加, 还, 相当) at least once each. Example: 北京的交通比较方便，上海的地铁相当现代...