Negative Comparisons
Avoid the common trap of making every negative comparison with 不.
Pattern
A 没有 B + adjective; A 不比 B + adjective
Use 没有 for “not as...as” and 不比 to deny being more.
我没有他高。
When to use Negative Comparisons
A 没有 B 高 means A is not as tall as B. A 不比 B 高 means A is not taller than B, which can leave equality possible.
这个房间不比那个大。
This room is not bigger than that one.
今天不比昨天更冷。
Today is not colder than yesterday.
坐公交没有坐地铁快。
Taking the bus is not as fast as taking the subway.
他不比我忙。
He is not busier than me.
Common traps
- A 没有 B 高 does not mean A has no height.
- 不比 can imply equality or simply deny superiority.
- Do not put 很 after 比 or 不比.
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
Keep this pattern in review.
You just practiced a real grammar card. Create a free account to save this pattern, schedule the next review, and keep studying from where you left off.
$4.99
HSK Access
One-time
Best Value
$9.99
Yearly Unlimited
Per year
$19.99
Lifetime
One-time