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HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 6 min read

Ever More with 一天比一天 and 一个比一个

Use 一 + measure word + 比 + 一 + measure word to say something keeps getting more so, or that each one in a group outdoes the last.

Pattern

一 + measure word + 比 + 一 + measure word + adjective/verb

With time words it shows steady change; with people or things it says every single one stands out.

春天来了，天气一天比一天暖和。

When to use Ever More with 一天比一天 and 一个比一个

This pattern puts 一 + the same measure word on both sides of 比, right before an adjective or a verb like 喜欢: 一天比一天冷. With time units such as 天 and 年, or with 次 for repeated events, it means something keeps increasing step by step: “day by day, every time”. With measure words for people or things, such as 个 and 件, it means each one outdoes the last, which stresses that every member of the group has the quality.

他的汉语一年比一年好。

His Chinese gets better every year.

这几个孩子一个比一个聪明。

These kids are all bright, each one more than the last.

这些问题一个比一个难。

These questions get harder one after another.

她考试的成绩一次比一次好。

Her test scores get better every time.

Common traps

  • Use the same measure word on both sides: 一天比一天, not 一天比一年.
  • Don’t add 很 before the adjective: say 一天比一天冷, not 一天比一天很冷.
  • Keep both 一s: say 一年比一年好, not 一年比年好.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

天气 冷了

The weather is getting colder and colder over time
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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