相比 xiāngbǐ to compare
How to remember 相比: 相 mutual + 比 compare = to compare.
Characters
How it is used
- Verb meaning 'to compare', almost always used in the pattern 跟/与...相比 (compared with...).
- 与去年相比，今年的销量更高 (yǔ qùnián xiāngbǐ, jīnnián de xiāoliàng gèng gāo) - Compared with last year, this year's sales are higher.
- Formal, written register, typically opens a comparative clause rather than standing as a simple verb.
- Distinct from 比较 (bǐjiào), the more general everyday word for 'compare/relatively'.
Example sentences
- 今天相比往常，稍暖一些。 Jīntiān xiāngbǐ wǎngcháng, shāo nuǎn yīxiē.Today's a bit warmer than usual.
- 相比第二本，我更喜欢汤姆的第一本书。 Xiāngbǐ dìèrběn, wǒ gèng xǐhuān tāngmǔ de dìyī běnshū.I liked Tom's first book more than the second.