比较 (bǐjiào)

比较 functions both as a verb meaning "to compare" and as an adverb meaning "relatively" or "fairly."

Meanings

[verb] to compare; to contrast
[adverb] relatively; fairly; rather; comparatively

Example Sentences

我们来比较一下这两个方案。 Wǒmen lái bǐjiào yīxià zhè liǎng gè fāng'àn. Let us compare these two plans.

这道题比较难。 Zhè dào tí bǐjiào nán. This problem is relatively difficult.

比较起来，这个方法更简单。 Bǐjiào qǐlái, zhège fāngfǎ gèng jiǎndān. Comparatively speaking, this method is simpler.

他的中文比较流利。 Tā de Zhōngwén bǐjiào liúlì. His Chinese is fairly fluent.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
比较一下 (bǐjiào yīxià)	to compare briefly
相比较 (xiāng bǐjiào)	in comparison
比较起来 (bǐjiào qǐlái)	comparatively speaking
比较好 (bǐjiào hǎo)	relatively good; fairly good

Usage Notes

As an adverb, 比较 softens the degree of an adjective, similar to "fairly" or "rather" in English. It is less absolute than 很 (very) and suggests a moderate degree. As a verb, it is used in structures like 把A和B比较 or A比较B. Do not confuse 比较 (compare/relatively) with 比 (bǐ), which marks direct comparisons.

Memory Hook

比较 literally means "to compare and examine" — 比 is "compare" and 较 reinforces the idea of measuring side by side.