A + 比 + B + adjective
Use 比 bǐ to say that A is more adjective than B. Do not add an English-style “than” after the adjective.
Běijīng bǐ Shànghǎi lěng. — Beijing is colder than Shanghai.
Zhège bǐ nàge guì. — This one is more expensive than that one.
Zhōngwén bǐ wǒ xiǎngxiàng de nán. — Chinese is harder than I imagined.
When the comparison is already clear, speakers may add 一点 yìdiǎn for “a little” or a number phrase for a specific difference: 贵十块钱 means “ten yuan more expensive.”
更 and 最
更 gèng means “even more” or “more” without naming a direct comparison. 最 zuì means “the most” within a group.
- 今天更热。 Today is even hotter.
- 这是最好的选择。 This is the best choice.
- 我最喜欢这个。 I like this one the most.
Mandarin adjectives do not require a form like English “better” or “best”. Keep the adjective and add the degree word.
Equality with 一样
一样 yíyàng means “the same” or “equally”. Use A 和 B 一样 + adjective when two things have the same degree.
My phone is the same size as yours.
They are the same height.
This one is not as expensive as that one.
A common comparison mistake
Do not put 很 in every comparison automatically. 很 can make an adjective sound like a neutral description, while 比 already establishes the relationship. Start with the comparison frame, then add a degree word only when it contributes meaning.
Practice by comparing two real objects around you. Say which is bigger, cheaper, closer, or easier, then make one equality sentence. Real contrasts make the word order easier to remember.