更
HSK 2- Comparison
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The adverb 更 is used in comparisons, indicating a higher degree relative to an already existing object or state.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
更 (gèng) is a degree adverb meaning "even more" or "more...than." It is used when comparing two things or states, to emphasize that the latter has a higher degree than the former. 更 implies that a certain level already exists, and now it is even higher. For example, if yesterday was already hot, then today is 更热 (even hotter).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 今天比昨天更热。繁: 今天比昨天更熱。Jīntiān bǐ zuótiān gèng rè.
Today is hotter than yesterday.
- 这个更贵，我买那个。繁: 這個更貴，我買那個。Zhè ge gèng guì, wǒ mǎi nà ge.
This one is more expensive, so I'll buy that one.
- 我更喜欢喝茶。繁: 我更喜歡喝茶。Wǒ gèng xǐhuān hē chá.
I prefer drinking tea more.
- 他的中文更好了。Tā de Zhōngwén gèng hǎo le.
His Chinese has improved.
- 坐地铁比坐公交车更快。繁: 坐地鐵比坐公交車更快。Zuò dìtiě bǐ zuò gōngjiāochē gèng kuài.
Taking the subway is faster than taking the bus.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:这个很更贵。Correct:这个更贵。
更 carries the meaning of comparison at a higher degree and does not need to be used together with 很.
- Wrong:我更高他。Correct:我比他更高。
When making direct comparisons between two objects, use the structure `A 比 B...`. `更` is only an adverbial modifier, not a preposition.