相比之下 (xiāng bǐ zhī xià) — by comparison; in comparison
HSK 5 | phrase | a fixed expression introducing a comparative contrast
相比之下 (xiāng bǐ zhī xià)
相比之下 is a formal discourse marker used to introduce a comparison, highlighting how one thing differs from another that was previously mentioned.
Meanings
- [phrase] by comparison; in comparison; comparatively speaking
Example Sentences
美国的医疗费用非常高昂，相比之下，加拿大的全民医保更为实惠。 Měiguó de yīliáo fèiyòng fēicháng gāo'áng, xiāng bǐ zhī xià, Jiānádà de quánmín yībǎo gèng wéi shíhuì. Medical costs in the United States are very high; by comparison, Canada's universal healthcare is much more affordable.
她的工作经验丰富，相比之下，其他候选人显得资历不足。 Tā de gōngzuò jīngyàn fēngfù, xiāng bǐ zhī xià, qítā hòuxuǎnrén xiǎndé zīlì bùzú. Her work experience is extensive; by comparison, the other candidates appear to lack qualifications.
这种方法效率较低，相比之下，新方案更加简便快捷。 Zhè zhǒng fāngfǎ xiàolǜ jiào dī, xiāng bǐ zhī xià, xīn fāng'àn gèngjiā jiǎnbiàn kuàijié. This method is less efficient; in comparison, the new approach is simpler and faster.
去年销售额表现平平，相比之下，今年的业绩有了显著提升。 Qùnián xiāoshòu'é biǎoxiàn píngpíng, xiāng bǐ zhī xià, jīnnián de yèjì yǒu le xiǎnzhù tíshēng. Last year's sales were mediocre; by comparison, this year's performance has improved significantly.
北方城市冬季寒冷漫长，相比之下，南方的气候更加温和宜人。 Běifāng chéngshì dōngjì hánlěng màncháng, xiāng bǐ zhī xià, nánfāng de qìhòu gèngjiā wēnhé yírén. Northern cities have cold, long winters; by comparison, the climate in the south is milder and more pleasant.
传统课堂教学灵活性较差，相比之下，在线学习给学生更多自由。 Chuántǒng kètáng jiàoxué línghuóxìng jiào chà, xiāng bǐ zhī xià, zàixiàn xuéxí gěi xuéshēng gèng duō zìyóu. Traditional classroom teaching is less flexible; by comparison, online learning gives students more freedom.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 相比之下，……更… (xiāng bǐ zhī xià, ...gèng...) | by comparison, ...is more... |
| 与……相比之下 (yǔ...xiāng bǐ zhī xià) | in comparison with... |
| 相比之下优势明显 (xiāng bǐ zhī xià yōushì míngxiǎn) | comparative advantage is clear |
| 相比之下差距明显 (xiāng bǐ zhī xià chājù míngxiǎn) | the gap is clear in comparison |
| 横向相比之下 (héngxiàng xiāng bǐ zhī xià) | in horizontal comparison |
Usage Notes
相比之下 is a fixed four-character phrase used as a sentence-initial discourse connector. It introduces the second part of a comparison after the first element has already been stated. It is formal and primarily used in written Chinese, academic essays, and analytical discourse.
The phrase is interchangeable with 相比而言 (xiāng bǐ ér yán) or 对比之下 (duìbǐ zhī xià). In informal speech, 比起来 (bǐ qǐlái) serves a similar function but is less formal.
Memory Hook
相比 (in comparison) + 之下 (under/given that) -- given the comparison just made -- by comparison.