没有 (comparison)
HSK 2- Comparison
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 'A 没有 B + adjective' is used for unfavorable comparison, meaning 'A is not as ... as B'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
This is the inferior comparison form, used to say that A does not reach B's level with regard to some quality. It is the negative form of comparison sentences using 比.
You can add 这么 (this much/like this) or 那么 (that much/like that) before the adjective for emphasis, but this is not required. Note that 很 must not be added before the adjective in this structure.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他没有我高。繁: 他沒有我高。Tā méiyǒu wǒ gāo.
He is not as tall as me.
- 今天没有昨天热。繁: 今天沒有昨天熱。Jīntiān méiyǒu zuótiān rè.
Today is not as hot as yesterday.
- 这件衣服没有那件贵。繁: 這件衣服沒有那件貴。Zhè jiàn yīfu méiyǒu nà jiàn guì.
This piece of clothing is not as expensive as that one.
- 我的中文没有他好。繁: 我的中文沒有他好。Wǒ de Zhōngwén méiyǒu tā hǎo.
My Chinese is not as good as his.
- 坐火车没有坐飞机快。繁: 坐火車沒有坐飛機快。Zuò huǒchē méiyǒu zuò fēijī kuài.
Taking the train is not as fast as taking the plane.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:今天不比昨天热。Correct:今天没有昨天热。
To express "not as hot as," use 没有. 不比 means "not hotter than," which could be equal or cooler.
- Wrong:他没有我很高。Correct:他没有我高。
In comparative sentences using 没有, adverbs indicating degree such as 很 cannot be added before the adjective.