跟...相比: Setting a Comparison Frame in Chinese
跟……相比
跟...相比 introduces a comparison standard before a separate clause evaluates the topic. Unlike a compact 比 sentence, this frame can compare situations, performances, or domains before making a broader comment. The standard remains inside the 跟 phrase, 相比 closes that frame, and the evaluation follows outside it.
Published July 23, 2026
Reviewed July 23, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
跟 + Standard + 相比, + Topic + Evaluation
Read the structure
跟...相比 introduces a comparison standard before a separate clause evaluates the topic. Unlike a compact 比 sentence, this frame can compare situations, performances, or domains before making a broader comment. The standard remains inside the 跟 phrase, 相比 closes that frame, and the evaluation follows outside it. Keep the model 跟 + Standard + 相比, + Topic + Evaluation visible while you compare each sentence.
跟上次考试相比，这次没有那么难。
Compared with the last exam, this one was not as difficult.
Choose the right context
Compare two occasions: 跟上次考试相比，这次容易多了。 Compare one person with others: 跟别人相比，我经验不够。 Compare subject areas before giving an opinion: 跟语法相比，我觉得语音更难。
跟别人相比，我的经验还不够。
Compared with others, I still lack experience.
Respect the boundary
Do not place 相比 before the standard introduced by 跟. Do not omit 跟 while leaving the comparison standard unattached. Do not insert the main evaluation inside the fixed frame 跟...相比.
跟相比上次考试，这次容易多了。
(With compared the last exam, this time was easier.)
Repair the pattern
相比 is placed before the comparison standard: 跟 first introduces the complete standard 上次考试, and 相比 closes the frame after that standard. 相比 splits the comparison standard: Keep the complete standard 上次考试 between 跟 and 相比.
跟上次考试相比，这次容易多了。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
跟上次考试相比，这次没有那么难。
Compared with the last exam, this one was not as difficult.
跟上
跟
This part occupies the 跟 position in the model pattern.
次
Standard
This part occupies the Standard position in the model pattern.
考试
相比,
This part occupies the 相比, position in the model pattern.
相比
Topic
This part occupies the Topic position in the model pattern.
，
Evaluation
This part occupies the Evaluation position in the model pattern.
这次
跟
This part occupies the 跟 position in the model pattern.
没有
Standard
This part occupies the Standard position in the model pattern.
那么
相比,
This part occupies the 相比, position in the model pattern.
难
Topic
This part occupies the Topic position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
跟上次考试相比，这次没有那么难。
Compared with the last exam, this one was not as difficult.
跟别人相比，我的经验还不够。
Compared with others, I still lack experience.
跟语法知识相比，我觉得语音知识更难。
Compared with grammar, I find phonetics more difficult.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Compare two occasions: 跟上次考试相比，这次容易多了。
- Compare one person with others: 跟别人相比，我经验不够。
- Compare subject areas before giving an opinion: 跟语法相比，我觉得语音更难。
Do not use it when
- Do not place 相比 before the standard introduced by 跟.
- Do not omit 跟 while leaving the comparison standard unattached.
- Do not insert the main evaluation inside the fixed frame 跟...相比.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
跟相比上次考试，这次容易多了。
跟上次考试相比，这次容易多了。
相比 is placed before the comparison standard
跟 first introduces the complete standard 上次考试, and 相比 closes the frame after that standard.
跟上次相比考试，这次没有那么难。
跟上次考试相比，这次没有那么难。
相比 splits the comparison standard
Keep the complete standard 上次考试 between 跟 and 相比.
跟相比上次考试，这次容易多了。
跟 first introduces the complete standard 上次考试, and 相比 closes the frame after that standard.
跟上次相比考试，这次没有那么难。
Keep the complete standard 上次考试 between 跟 and 相比.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with 跟……相比.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 跟……相比. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
跟...相比: Setting a Comparison Frame Questions
How is 跟...相比 different from 比?
跟...相比 establishes a comparison frame for a following comment. 比 more compactly links two compared items inside one predicate.
Can a whole situation follow 跟?
Yes. The standard can be an event, period, performance, person, or domain, provided the following evaluation supplies a meaningful dimension.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: Appendix A, Level 5 grammar inventory, item 五43(1) (A.5.5.1), PDF page 229: 比较句5，跟……相比
Supports placement in HSK 5; it does not independently establish the usage explanation.
Official sourceChinese: A Comprehensive Grammar, 2nd ed.
Yip and Rimmington · Routledge · 2016
Locator: Chapter 11, comparative coverbs and comparison frames, pages 226-229; Google Books body preview pages PA227-PA228
Analyzes 跟 as a comparative coverb introducing the comparison standard and treats 相比 as closing the comparison frame before the evaluation.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
Compare
没有没有 for 'Not as…as'
Compare this lesson with 没有 marking that one item does not reach another's degree; both belong to comparison standards and relative difference, but they organize a different sentence role or discourse job.
Compare
A 不如 B……不如: Not as...as
Compare this lesson with 不如 evaluating one item as inferior to another; both belong to comparison standards and relative difference, but they organize a different sentence role or discourse job.
Compare
比起……来比起…来: Compared With
Compare this lesson with 比起……来 establishing a comparison topic before the evaluation; both belong to comparison standards and relative difference, but they organize a different sentence role or discourse job.
Continue learning
比The 比 (bǐ) Comparison
Continue with the reviewed follow-up lesson to apply this pattern inside a broader, explicitly connected grammar construction.
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