比 + Adjective + 一点儿
HSK 3- Comparison
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Used to compare two objects, indicating that one side surpasses the other by a small degree in some quality.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is how to say "a little more/better/etc." When you want to compare two things but the difference is small, use this structure. 一点儿 (yìdiǎnr) means "a little," "a bit," and is placed after the adjective to clarify that the degree of difference is insignificant. It makes a comparative sentence feel softer and more precise than using 比 alone.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他比我高一点儿。繁: 他比我高一點兒。Tā bǐ wǒ gāo yìdiǎnr.
He is a bit taller than me.
- 这个比那个贵一点儿。繁: 這個比那個貴一點兒。Zhège bǐ nàge guì yìdiǎnr.
This one is a bit more expensive than that one.
- 今天比昨天暖和一点儿。繁: 今天比昨天暖和一點兒。Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān nuǎnhuo yìdiǎnr.
Today is a bit warmer than yesterday.
- 我的中文比他好一点儿。繁: 我的中文比他好一點兒。Wǒ de Zhōngwén bǐ tā hǎo yìdiǎnr.
My Chinese is a bit better than his.
- 苹果比西瓜便宜一点儿。繁: 蘋果比西瓜便宜一點兒。Píngguǒ bǐ xīguā piányi yìdiǎnr.
Apples are a bit cheaper than watermelons.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:他比我一点儿高。Correct:他比我高一点儿。
The phrase `一点儿` indicates a slight degree of difference and must immediately follow the adjective.
- Wrong:这个比那个很贵一点儿。Correct:这个比那个贵一点儿。
Comparative sentences using 比 do not combine with adverbs indicating degree such as 很 or 非常.