比较：相对程度与委婉表达 — illustrated Chinese learning guide

When learning Chinese, many students first meet 比较 (bǐjiào) as a word used in comparisons, such as A 比 B + adjective. However, 比较 is also commonly used in everyday Mandarin to soften statements and express meanings like “rather,” “quite,” “relatively,” or “fairly.”

Instead of sounding too absolute, 比较 makes your sentence feel more natural and moderate. Native speakers use it frequently when describing feelings, opinions, or situations.

Let’s explore how to use 比较 (bǐjiào) correctly. 🚀

1. Using 比较 with Adjectives: “Rather / Quite / Relatively”

When 比较 appears before an adjective, it softens the tone of the description. The speaker is not making an extreme statement, but expressing a moderate evaluation.

This usage is extremely common in spoken Chinese.

Structure

Subj. + 比较 (bǐjiào) + Adjective

Examples

①
这个地方 比较远。
Zhège dìfang bǐjiào yuǎn.
→ This place is rather far.

②
这个语法 比较难。
Zhège yǔfǎ bǐjiào nán.
→ This grammar is quite difficult.

③
我今天 比较累。
Wǒ jīntiān bǐjiào lèi.
→ I feel rather tired today.

④
这个城市 比较安静。
Zhège chéngshì bǐjiào ānjìng.
→ This city is relatively quiet.

⑤
这个问题 比较复杂。
Zhège wèntí bǐjiào fùzá.
→ This problem is rather complicated.

比较：相对程度与委婉表达 — teaching illustration 2

Tip for learners:
Chinese speakers often prefer 比较 + adjective instead of very strong words. It sounds more natural and polite in daily conversation. 🙂

2. Using 比较 with Verbs: Expressing Preferences

Another important usage of 比较 is with verbs expressing feelings, preferences, or attitudes, such as:

喜欢 (xǐhuān) – like
爱 (ài) – love
想 (xiǎng) – want
习惯 (xíguàn) – be used to

In these cases, 比较 expresses a preference or tendency, similar to saying “rather,” “prefer,” or “tend to.”

Structure

Subj. + 比较 (bǐjiào) + Verb Phrase

Examples

①
我 比较喜欢 吃方便面。
Wǒ bǐjiào xǐhuān chī fāngbiànmiàn.
→ I rather like eating instant noodles.

②
我 比较喜欢 吃辣的。
Wǒ bǐjiào xǐhuān chī là de.
→ I prefer spicy food.

③
我 比较喜欢 小猫。
Wǒ bǐjiào xǐhuān xiǎomāo.
→ I prefer cats.

④
我 比较习惯 早起。
Wǒ bǐjiào xíguàn zǎoqǐ.
→ I’m more used to getting up early.

⑤
他 比较想 去中国学习。
Tā bǐjiào xiǎng qù Zhōngguó xuéxí.
→ He would rather go to China to study.

比较：相对程度与委婉表达 — teaching illustration 3

3. Important Tip: 比较 Does NOT Always Mean “Compare”

Many beginners think 比较 always means “to compare.” But in daily Chinese, it is often used simply to express a moderate degree.

Compare these two sentences:

我很累。

Wǒ hěn lèi.

→ I am very tired.

我比较累。

Wǒ bǐjiào lèi.

→ I am rather tired / somewhat tired.

The second sentence sounds softer and more natural in conversation.

比较：相对程度与委婉表达 — teaching illustration 4

4. Common Situations Where Chinese Speakers Use 比较

You will often hear 比较 when people talk about:

• describing feelings
• expressing preferences
• giving opinions
• making polite evaluations

For example:

今天 比较冷。

Jīntiān bǐjiào lěng.

→ It’s rather cold today.

这家餐厅 比较好吃。

Zhè jiā cāntīng bǐjiào hǎochī.

→ The food at this restaurant is quite good.

我 比较喜欢 这个老师。

Wǒ bǐjiào xǐhuān zhège lǎoshī.

→ I rather like this teacher.

比较：相对程度与委婉表达 — teaching illustration 5

Final Thoughts

The word 比较 (bǐjiào) is extremely useful in everyday Mandarin. It helps you sound more natural, polite, and less absolute when expressing opinions or feelings.

If you want your Chinese to sound more like native speakers, start using 比较 + adjective and 比较 + verb in daily conversation.

Keep practicing and you’ll notice that your Mandarin begins to sound more natural and fluent. 加油! 💪