Comparative & Superlative
Comparatives show relative differences between two things, while superlatives highlight extremes within a group. Mandarin expresses these ideas with straightforward structures and key particles like bǐ 比 and zuì 最.
Comparative
Comparatives in Mandarin typically use bǐ 比 to compare two things, placing the first item before bǐ and the second item after. The adjective or adverb stays in its normal position.
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Superlative
Superlatives use zuì 最 placed before an adjective to indicate the highest degree. To specify a group, you can add phrases like zhōng de 中的 or use expressions that set the context.
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More ... / Less ...
To say "more" or "less" of an adjective or noun, Mandarin uses particles like gèng 更 for "more" and shǎo 少 for "less," and they appear before the adjective. When comparing amounts, structures differ slightly depending on whether you're modifying a noun or an adjective.
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Expressions for Extremes
Mandarin has set expressions for extremes, such as fēicháng 非常 and jíle 极了, which intensify adjectives. These can be used in both comparative and superlative contexts to emphasize degree.
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Examples
| Hanzi | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 🍎 这个苹果比那个苹果更红。 | Zhè ge píngguǒ bǐ nà ge píngguǒ gèng hóng. | This apple is redder than that apple. |
| 🍊 这个橙子比那个橙子大。 | Zhè ge chéngzi bǐ nà ge chéngzi dà. | This orange is bigger than that orange. |
| 🍓 草莓比蓝莓甜。 | Cǎoméi bǐ lánméi tián. | Strawberries are sweeter than blueberries. |
| 🍍 菠萝比苹果更香。 | Bōluó bǐ píngguǒ gèng xiāng. | Pineapples are more fragrant than apples. |
| 🍇 蓝莓没有草莓那么甜。 | Lánméi méiyǒu cǎoméi nàme tián. | Blueberries are not as sweet as strawberries. |
| 🍒 这个樱桃没那个樱桃红。 | Zhè ge yīngtáo méi nà ge yīngtáo hóng. | This cherry is not as red as that cherry. |
| 🍉 西瓜是这个夏天最受欢迎的水果。 | Xīguā shì zhè ge xiàtiān zuì shòu huānyíng de shuǐguǒ. | Watermelon is the most popular fruit this summer. |
| 🍋 这个柠檬是我吃过的最酸的。 | Zhè ge níngméng shì wǒ chīguo de zuì suān de. | This lemon is the sourest I have ever tasted. |
| 🍈 哈密瓜比西瓜甜多了。 | Hāmìguā bǐ xīguā tián duō le. | Cantaloupe is much sweeter than watermelon. |
| 🍏 青苹果比红苹果酸一些。 | Qīng píngguǒ bǐ hóng píngguǒ suān yīxiē. | Green apples are a bit more sour than red apples. |
Summary
Comparatives use bǐ 比 to link two items and keep the adjective in place, while superlatives use zuì 最 to mark the highest degree. Use gèng 更 for "more" and set expressions like fēicháng 非常 to emphasize extremes. Mandarin's particles and word order make these comparisons clear and consistent.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025