Expressing "rather" with "bijiao"

It's rather nice to be able to read an article on how to use 比较 to mean "rather." And here it is!

Structure

The adverb 比较 (bǐjiào) can be used to express "quite," "rather," or "relatively." It's a way of comparing one thing with a general idea instead of comparing two concrete things.

Subj. + 比较 + Adj.

Examples

• 大 城市 的 工作 压力 比较 大 。Working pressure in big cities are rather more.
• 这个 问题 比较 简单 。This question is rather easier.
• 我 家 离 市中心 比较 近 。My place is rather close to downtown.
• 后果 比较 严重 。.
• 现在 的 年轻 人 比较 喜欢 用 APP 看 电视 。.
• 比较 。.
• 比较 。.
• 比较 。.
• 这 件 衬衫 大小 比较 合适 。Zhè jiàn chènshān dàxiǎo bǐjiào héshì.The size of this shirt is rather suitable.
• 这件 事 比较 复杂 。Zhè jiàn shì bǐjiào fùzá.This matter is rather complicated.

See also

• Moderating positive adjectives with "hai"
• The "zui" superlative
• Special verbs with "hen"
• Expressing "a bit too"

Sources and further reading

Books

• Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 1 (pp. 49-50) →buy