比较 bǐjiào relatively, compare
compare; contrast; relatively
How to remember 比较: 比 compare + 较 to compare = relatively, compare.
Characters
How it is used
- Two uses: verb "to compare" (比较两个方案 bǐjiào liǎng ge fāng'àn compare two plans) and, more commonly, adverb "relatively/fairly" - 今天比较冷 (jīntiān bǐjiào lěng) it's fairly cold today.
- As "rather/quite," 比较 softens the adjective; it's weaker than 很 and hedges rather than intensifies.
- Distinguish from the 比 comparison structure (A 比 B 高 A is taller than B): 比较 doesn't need a second thing named.
Example sentences
- 哪个比较大？ Nǎge bǐjiào dà?Which is bigger?
- 一般来说，东北菜比较咸。 Yībānláishuō, Dōngběi cài bǐjiào xián.Generally speaking, Dongbei cuisine is rather salty.
- 英国的啤酒比较苦。 Yīngguóde píjiǔ bǐjiào kǔ.English beer is rather bitter.