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Chinese (Mandarin)/Grammar/Comparisons
Reference material by Wikibooks contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
Simple comparisons
The primary word used for a comparison of two things (bigger, older, etc.) is 比 (bǐ). A simple comparison is constructed as X 比 Y SV.
他比小明高。
Ta bi Xiao Ming gao.
He is taller than Xiao Ming.
Taken literally, this means that he, when compared with Xiao Ming, is tall.
Negative comparisons
A simple comparison can be negated by prepending 不 to 比:
他不比小明高。
Ta bu bi Xiao Ming gao.
He is not taller than Xiao Ming.