Comparison 6: Advanced Patterns
比较句6
Master three advanced comparison patterns: 比起……(来), A + Adj + 于 + B, and A + 比 + V + 出 + N
Three advanced comparison patterns: (1) 比起……(来) introduces a reference point for comparison ("compared with"). (2) A + Adj + 于 + B uses 于 (classical "than") for formal comparisons. (3) A + 比 + V + 出 + N quantifies the difference between two things.
比起……来 is conversational. Adj + 于 is formal/literary. 比 + V + 出 quantifies a specific measurable difference.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Comparison 6: Advanced Patterns (比较句6)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 比较句6 pattern
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Understanding 比较句6
At the HSK 7-9 level, you need multiple comparison strategies beyond the basic 比 pattern. This lesson covers three advanced ones. First, 比起……(来) sets up a reference point: 比起其他人，我的想法太简单了 (Compared with others, my thinking is too simple). The optional 来 at the end adds a casual, spoken feel. Second, A + Adj + 于 + B uses the classical preposition 于 meaning "than": 过程重于结果 (process is more important than results). This is formal and literary — you will see it in essays, news, and slogans. Third, A + 比 + V + 出 + N quantifies the difference: 他跑出我很远的距离 (He ran a great distance ahead of me). This pattern specifies how much one exceeds the other. Together, these three patterns give you a full toolkit for sophisticated comparisons.
Key Points
- 比起 A (来), B…… = "Compared with A, B..." — sets a reference point.
- A + Adj + 于 + B = "A is more Adj than B" — formal, using classical 于.
- A + 比 + V + 出 + N = "A exceeds B by N" — quantifies the difference.
- 比起 is conversational; Adj + 于 is formal/literary.
- Common Adj + 于 collocations: 大于, 高于, 重于, 优于, 多于.
- 比 + V + 出 often uses distance, time, or quantity nouns.
The Adj + 于 pattern appears frequently in Chinese government reports, academic papers, and public slogans (e.g., 安全高于一切 — safety above all). Recognizing and using it shows command of formal register.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
比起其他人，我的想法太简单了。
Compared with others, my thinking is too simple.
比起北京来，这个小城市安静多了。
Compared with Beijing, this small city is much quieter.
人的自我实现过程重于结果。
In personal self-actualization, the process is more important than the result.
在工厂，工人们的安全高于一切。
In the factory, workers' safety is above everything else.
他跑出我很远的距离。
He ran a great distance ahead of me.
Quantifying the difference
比起去年来，今年的收入增加了不少。
Compared with last year, this year's income has increased considerably.
质量优于数量。
Quality is superior to quantity.
他的成绩高出平均分二十分。
His score exceeded the average by twenty points.
Common Mistakes
Do not use both 比起 and 比 in the same sentence — they are redundant. 比起 sets the reference; the comparison follows without 比.
The order is: A + Adj + 于 + B. The adjective (高) comes before 于, not after it.
来 comes after the reference point, not after 比起. The structure is 比起 + reference + 来.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
比起……来 is great for conversation — use it to set up any comparison naturally.
Adj + 于 sounds literary and authoritative — perfect for essays and formal presentations.
Memorize common Adj + 于 pairs: 大于, 小于, 高于, 低于, 重于, 优于, 多于, 少于.
When quantifying differences, use 比 + V + 出 + amount: 他比我高出五厘米.
Homework
Write a comparison essay (200 characters) about two cities, two schools, or two time periods, using all three patterns at least once: 比起……(来), Adj + 于, and 比 + V + 出.