Use the examples with their context and limits. Recall a sentence before reading the model. Original teaching additions accompany examples adapted from Chinese Grammar Wiki (AllSet Learning, CC BY-NC-SA); see the course reference provenance.
Compare two things before buying
Describe a difference and ask about the preferred item.
Build the meaning
A 比 B + adjective compares A with B: 这个比那个贵. Do not add 很 immediately after 比 in this basic pattern.
Use 更 to say even more: 这个更便宜. A description alone does not establish which choice is best for every person.
Useful words in context
- 比 bǐ — than, comparison. 这个比那个贵。
- 贵 guì — expensive. 这个很贵。
- 便宜 piányi — cheap / inexpensive. 那个更便宜。
- 颜色 yánsè — colour. 你喜欢什么颜色？
- 但是 dànshì — but. 便宜，但是太小。
Read for meaning
红色的杯子二十块钱，蓝色的杯子十五块钱。红色的比蓝色的贵，但是林安更喜欢红色。
The red cup costs twenty yuan and the blue one fifteen. Red is more expensive, but Lin An prefers red.
Listen to a different passage
Ask a partner to read this with the script closed. Use the online practice for browser playback.
这个杯子十块钱，那个十五块钱。这个比那个便宜。
This cup costs ten yuan and that one fifteen. This one is cheaper.
Speak and write
Compare two fictional cups by price. Ask which colour a partner prefers.
Write a comparison and then a preference.
One speaking model: A: 红色的比蓝色的贵。你喜欢什么颜色？ B: 我喜欢蓝色。
One writing model: 红色的比蓝色的贵，但是我更喜欢红色。
- Make the comparison direction clear.
- Give a preference separately.
- Use 但是 only where it marks a contrast.
Check the distinction: A 比 B 贵 means A costs more than B. Reversing A and B reverses the comparison.