Comparative / Superlative
Comparatives show relative difference between two things, and superlatives highlight the extreme degree within a group. Mandarin expresses these ideas with straightforward structures like bǐ 比 for comparison and zuì 最 for superlatives.
Comparative
The basic comparative pattern uses bǐ 比 to link the two things being compared, with the first thing before bǐ and the second thing after. The adjective stays in its normal form.
Superlative
The superlative is formed by placing zuì 最 before the adjective to indicate the highest degree. To specify the group, you can add a phrase like shēnchǎng zhī zhōng || 身长之中 || "among the body lengths."
More / Less
To say "more" or "less" of an adjective, Mandarin uses gèng 更 for "more" and sometimes bǐjiào 比较 for "more" or "relatively," while shǎo 少 applies to quantity rather than degree.
Expressions
Mandarin has set expressions for extreme comparisons, such as fēicháng 非常 "extremely," and rhetorical structures like bù shì... jiù shì... 不是...就是... to emphasize an either/or situation.
Summary
Comparatives use bǐ 比 to show contrast between two things, superlatives use zuì 最 to mark the highest degree, and modifiers like gèng 更 can adjust the intensity. Adding group phrases lets you limit the comparison.
Usage
Comparatives highlight differences between two items, superlatives identify extremes within a group, and modifiers fine-tune the degree of an adjective. Mandarin relies on particles rather than changing adjective forms.
Regular Verbs
Mandarin adjectives function like stative verbs, so they do not conjugate. Comparisons are made with particles and word order rather than verb endings.
-ar Verbs
-er Verbs
-ir Verbs
Stem-Changing Verbs
Irregular Verbs
ir / ser (to go / to be)
hacer (to do, to make)
tener (to have)
Signal Words
Comparatives often appear with bǐ 比, superlatives with zuì 最, and modifiers like gèng 更 or bǐjiào 比较 signal degree. Contextual phrases can show the relevant group.
Comparative / Superlative
Comparatives show relative difference between two things, and superlatives highlight the extreme degree within a group. Mandarin expresses these ideas with straightforward structures like bǐ 比 for comparison and zuì 最 for superlatives.
Comparative
The basic comparative pattern uses bǐ 比 to link the two things being compared, with the first thing before bǐ and the second thing after. The adjective stays in its normal form.
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Superlative
The superlative is formed by placing zuì 最 before the adjective to indicate the highest degree. To specify the group, you can add a phrase like shēnchǎng zhī zhōng || 身长之中 || "among the body lengths."
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More / Less
To say "more" or "less" of an adjective, Mandarin uses gèng 更 for "more" and sometimes bǐjiào 比较 for "more" or "relatively," while shǎo 少 applies to quantity rather than degree.
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Expressions
Mandarin has set expressions for extreme comparisons, such as fēicháng 非常 "extremely," and rhetorical structures like bù shì... jiù shì... 不是...就是... to emphasize an either/or situation.
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Summary
Comparatives use bǐ 比 to show contrast between two things, superlatives use zuì 最 to mark the highest degree, and modifiers like gèng 更 can adjust the intensity. Adding group phrases lets you limit the comparison.
Usage
Comparatives highlight differences between two items, superlatives identify extremes within a group, and modifiers fine-tune the degree of an adjective. Mandarin relies on particles rather than changing adjective forms.
Regular Verbs
Mandarin adjectives function like stative verbs, so they do not conjugate. Comparisons are made with particles and word order rather than verb endings.
-ar Verbs
-er Verbs
-ir Verbs
Stem-Changing Verbs
Irregular Verbs
ir / ser (to go / to be)
hacer (to do, to make)
tener (to have)
Signal Words
Comparatives often appear with bǐ 比, superlatives with zuì 最, and modifiers like gèng 更 or bǐjiào 比较 signal degree. Contextual phrases can show the relevant group.
Sign In
Add an email to access exercises.
Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025