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

• 这个 问题 比较 简单 。Zhège wèntí bǐjiào jiǎndān.This question is rather easier.
• 这件 事 比较 复杂 。Zhè jiàn shì bǐjiào fùzá.This matter is rather complicated.
• 我 觉得 这个 价格 比较 合理 。Wǒ juéde zhège jiàgé bǐjiào hélǐ.I think this price is rather reasonable.
• 我 上班 坐 地铁 比较 方便 。Wǒ shàngbān zuò dìtiě bǐjiào fāngbiàn.It's rather convenient for me to take the metro to work.
• 大 城市 的 工作 压力 比较 大 。Dà chéngshì de gōngzuò yālì bǐjiào dà.Working pressure in big cities are rather more.
• 我 家 离 市中心 比较 近 。Wǒ jiā lí shìzhōngxīn bǐjiào jìn.My place is rather close to downtown.
• 后果 比较 严重 。Hòuguǒ bǐjiào yánzhòng.The consequence is rather serious.
• 这 件 衬衫 大小 比较 合适 。Zhè jiàn chènshān dàxiǎo bǐjiào héshì.The size of this shirt is rather suitable.
• 现在 的 年轻 人 比较 喜欢 用 App 看 电视 。Xiànzài de niánqīng rén bǐjiào xǐhuan yòng App kàn diànshì.Nowadays young people prefer to use App to watch TV.
• 换个 话题 吧 ，这个 话题 比较 敏感 。Huàn gè huàtí ba, zhège huàtí bǐjiào mǐngǎn.Let's change the subject. This one is rather sensitive.

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