比起…来
HSK 4- Comparison
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 比起…来 is used to compare two objects, often emphasizing the difference between them.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Use 比起…来 to introduce a reference point for comparison, then highlight the characteristics of the other subject. This structure makes sentences clearer and more coherent when comparing two things.
The 来 at the end may be omitted, but including it makes the sentence sound more natural, especially in spoken language.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 比起北京来，上海更暖和。繁: 比起北京來，上海更暖和。Bǐqǐ Běijīng lái, Shànghǎi gèng nuǎnhuo.
Shanghai is warmer compared to Beijing.
- 比起哥哥来，弟弟更外向。繁: 比起哥哥來，弟弟更外向。Bǐqǐ gēge lái, dìdi gèng wàixiàng.
Compared to his older brother, the younger brother is more outgoing.
- 比起看电影来，我更喜欢看书。繁: 比起看電影來，我更喜歡看書。Bǐqǐ kàn diànyǐng lái, wǒ gèng xǐhuān kàn shū.
Compared to watching movies, I prefer reading books.
- 比起以前来，他现在努力多了。繁: 比起以前來，他現在努力多了。Bǐqǐ yǐqián lái, tā xiànzài nǔlì duō le.
Compared to before, he is now making much more effort.
- 比起这件来，那件衣服更便宜。繁: 比起這件來，那件衣服更便宜。Bǐqǐ zhè jiàn lái, nà jiàn yīfu gèng piányi.
Compared with this one, that piece of clothing is cheaper.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:比起北京来，更暖和。Correct:比起北京来，上海更暖和。
The second clause needs a subject (object B) to complete the comparison; you cannot merely state the compared feature.
- Wrong:比起上海更暖和来，北京很冷。Correct:比起北京来，上海更暖和。
The comparative feature (更暖和) must appear in the main clause, not within the 比起…来 phrase.