Compare two choices
Use 比 to compare size, price, or temperature and decide between options.
What you’ll work on
- Build A + 比 + B + adjective.
- Avoid 很 in the basic 比 comparison.
- Explain a choice with a simple comparison.
A short conversation
Google voice when available; device voice as a fallback. Pinyin shows dictionary tones; natural speech includes the tone changes taught in the lessons.
这本书怎么样？
What is this book like?
这本书很好，但是很贵。
This book is good, but it is expensive.
那本书比这本书便宜。
That book is cheaper than this book.
好，我要那本书。
All right, I would like that book.
Put the comparison between the two items
Use A + 比 + B + adjective. 今天比昨天热 means “Today is hotter than yesterday.” A is the thing being described; B is the comparison point.
Do not add 是 or an English-style ending to the adjective. The same 大 can mean big in a description and bigger in a 比 comparison.
Leave 很 out of the basic comparison
The neutral 很 used in a simple description is not needed in this basic 比 pattern. Say 那本书比这本书便宜, without 很 before 便宜.
Later you can learn expressions for how much greater the difference is. For now keep the comparison clear by using one adjective and two well-defined things.
Ask for an opinion and make a choice
怎么样 asks what something is like or how it is. You can answer with a description and then compare two options. 但是 means “but” and signals a contrast.
A comparison gives only the feature you name. A cheaper book is not necessarily better overall. State what matters for your imagined purchase, then choose with 我要…
Lesson vocabulary
Listen once, say it aloud, and try to recall the Chinese before looking.
| Chinese / pinyin | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| 比 bǐ | than / compared with | |
| 怎么样 zěn me yàng | how / what is it like | |
| 但是 dàn shì | but | |
| 高 gāo | tall / high | |
| 便宜 pián yi | inexpensive | |
| 贵 guì | expensive |
Practice questions
Try every question, then check your answers. Capital letters and punctuation do not affect your score. Pinyin tone marks matter. For typed answers, use simplified characters or the taught pinyin (spacing is flexible).
Showing an answer makes that question a practice item worth zero for this attempt. Retry with the answers hidden when you’re ready. If audio cannot play, use Show answer / text to practice by reading.
Independent practice
These are independent practice tasks. The site does not record your voice, save your writing, or grade open-ended answers. Ask a teacher or conversation partner for feedback when you can.
Speaking practice
Compare two imaginary rooms and two book prices. Give one reason for your choice.
Writing practice
Write a plain description with 很 and a comparison with 比. Explain why the patterns differ.
Review the lesson objectives
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