Chinese commonly uses 更 to express the comparative degree and 最 for the superlative. The comparative is a contrast between two objects, while the superlative highlights the one among three or more. Adjectives themselves generally do not inflect; degree is expressed by adding modifiers.

'更' is placed before the adjective to indicate a higher degree than another object. A common structure is 'A比B更+adjective', and it can also be used alone as '更+adjective' in certain contexts to strengthen the contrast with the preceding text or the default object.

'比' introduces the comparison target; the basic structure is 'A 比 B + adjective'. An adverbial degree can follow the adjective to show how much; this structure is not equivalent to the English -er, but uses '比' to specify both sides.

Commonly used degree words such as '一点', '多了', '得多' to amplify or refine the difference in comparisons. The superlative is often paired with '非常' or '特别' to express strong emphasis, but the core remains '最'. Different degree words placed before or after adjectives create nuanced expressions.

'最' placed before the adjective, indicating the highest degree within a certain range. Common structure is 'Subject + 最 + adjective', and a range word can be added to define the scope of comparison. '最' doesn't require listing all objects as in English, but you can use '在...里' to specify the scope.

Using '在……里' or '在……中' can limit the group being compared, making '最' point to a clear range. This expression lets the listener know which group you are comparing, not the whole world.

Some common adjectives frequently appear in comparative and superlative structures. Mastering these words enables efficient expression of comparison and emphasis. In Chinese these words do not require individual inflection; they are used directly with '比', '更', '最'.

'越来越 + adjective' expresses a trait that increases over time; it is not simply a two-way comparison. Often after comparing results you may add 'because …' to explain the reason, or attach a result clause to extend the expression.

In spoken language, '更+形容词' is used for concise comparisons, especially when the context is clear. '太+形容词了' is used to express strong feelings, sounding close to English 'very', but not equivalent to the superlative. In superlative expressions, '最' remains the standard marker.

Some regions prefer different vocabulary or particles in expressing comparisons, but the core structures '比', '更', '最' are widely applicable. The following shows a colloquial reinforcing form common in the South China region.