Chinese Grammar Core Course — Unit 12
Unit 12
Comparison and degree
With 比, do not add 很 before the adjective. Use 没有 for “not as … as”, and use 一点儿 or 更 to express small or greater degree.
Do not translate tense word for word. Choose whether you mean a completed event, an action in progress, a continuing state, an experience, an ability, or a comparison.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Pattern to hear
她比我高。这本书太贵了。
Meaning in context: She is taller than I am. This book is too expensive.
How to use it
With 比, do not add 很 before the adjective. Use 没有 for “not as … as”, and use 一点儿 or 更 to express small or greater degree.
这本书比那本书贵。这个没有那个大。
Do not translate tense word for word. Choose whether you mean a completed event, an action in progress, a continuing state, an experience, an ability, or a comparison.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Self-check
- How to use it
- Choose the viewpoint before the marker: completed event, current process, continuing state, experience, ability, or comparison.
- Build it yourself
- Retell yesterday, now, and a future plan with three different aspect or modal choices.
- Self-check
- Can you say why 不 and 没(有) are not interchangeable in your sentence?
Contrast and decision
For English speakers, the main adjustment is not basic SVO order but keeping time, place, aspect markers, and complements in their Chinese positions.
What to notice: Comparison and degree
More examples to read aloud
- 今天比昨天冷。
- 这个大一点儿。
- 我最喜欢这本书。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.
Build it yourself
Compare two places, two people, and two prices.
用比和没有各比较一次。
Check the answer only after you have said or written your version.
Self-check
Model and reason
With 比, do not add 很 before the adjective. Use 没有 for “not as … as”, and use 一点儿 or 更 to express small or greater degree.
今天比昨天冷。我没有他忙。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.