When learning Chinese, one essential aspect of the language is understanding and using adverbs. Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing additional information about how an action is performed, the manner in which something happens, or the degree of an attribute. Comparing adverbs, in particular, allow us to make comparisons between two or more elements. In this guide, we will provide a brief and accurate introduction to Chinese comparing adverbs, including their usage, formation, and examples of how they are used in sentences.
I. Basic Usage of Comparing Adverbs
In Chinese, comparing adverbs are used to express the comparative degree of an adjective or adverb. They help us compare two or more objects, actions, or qualities. Comparing adverbs can be used in positive comparisons (e.g., “as…as”) or negative comparisons (e.g., “not as…as” or “less than”). Some commonly used comparing adverbs in Chinese include “比” (bǐ), “跟” (gēn), and “比较” (bǐjiào).
II. Formation of Comparing Adverbs
Comparing adverbs in Chinese are formed by combining the adverbial modifier with the word “比” (bǐ) or “跟” (gēn). The structure is as follows:
Adverbial Modifier + 比/跟 + [Subject/Adjective/Adverb]
The adverbial modifier can be a single character or a phrase that represents the degree of the comparison. Here are some examples:
比 (bǐ): This is the most commonly used comparing adverb in Chinese and is equivalent to “than” or “more than” in English. For example:
我比你高 (Wǒ bǐ nǐ gāo) – I am taller than you.
这本书比那本书好 (Zhè běn shū bǐ nà běn shū hǎo) – This book is better than that book.
跟 (gēn): This comparing adverb is similar to “with” or “and” in English and is used when comparing similarity or equality. For example:
我跟你一样高 (Wǒ gēn nǐ yíyàng gāo) – I am as tall as you.
这个苹果跟那个苹果一样甜 (Zhège píngguǒ gēn nàge píngguǒ yíyàng tián) – This apple is as sweet as that apple.
比较 (bǐjiào): This comparing adverb means “relatively” or “comparatively” and is used to indicate a moderate degree of comparison. For example:
这个电影比较好看 (Zhège diànyǐng bǐjiào hǎokàn) – This movie is relatively good-looking.
他比较高兴 (Tā bǐjiào gāoxìng) – He is relatively happy.
III. Examples of Comparing Adverbs in Sentences
To illustrate the usage of comparing adverbs in Chinese, let’s look at some example sentences:
Positive Comparisons with “比” (bǐ):
他比我聪明 (Tā bǐ wǒ cōngmíng) – He is smarter than me.
这个城市比那个城市大 (Zhège chéngshì bǐ nàge chéngshì dà) – This city is bigger than that city.
Positive Comparisons with “跟” (gēn):
我跟你一样高 (Wǒ gēn nǐ yíyàng gāo) – I am as tall as you.
这个房子跟那个房子一样新 (Zhège fángzi gēn nàge fángzi yíyàng xīn) – This house is as new as that house.
Negative Comparisons with “比” (bǐ):
他不比我聪明 (Tā bù bǐ wǒ cōngmíng) – He is not as smart as me.
这个城市不比那个城市大 (Zhège chéngshì bù bǐ nàge chéngshì dà) – This city is not bigger than that city.
Negative Comparisons with “跟” (gēn):
我不跟你一样高 (Wǒ bù gēn nǐ yíyàng gāo) – I am not as tall as you.
这个房子不跟那个房子一样新 (Zhège fángzi bù gēn nàge fángzi yíyàng xīn) – This house is not as new as that house.
Comparisons with “比较” (bǐjiào):
这个电影比较好看 (Zhège diànyǐng bǐjiào hǎokàn) – This movie is relatively good-looking.
他比较高兴 (Tā bǐjiào gāoxìng) – He is relatively happy.
IV. Conclusion
In conclusion, comparing adverbs in Chinese play a crucial role in expressing the comparative degree of adjectives or adverbs. By using comparing adverbs such as “比” (bǐ), “跟” (gēn), and “比较” (bǐjiào), learners can effectively compare objects, actions, or qualities. The formation of comparing adverbs involves combining the adverbial modifier with “比” (bǐ) or “跟” (gēn). Whether it’s positive or negative comparisons, understanding and practicing these structures will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in Chinese. So, keep exploring and incorporating comparing adverbs into your language learning journey.
Originally posted 2023-07-14 18:08:31.