Comparison with 比 (7)
In a 比 comparison, to state the gap as an exact amount, a number plus a measure word follows the adjective.
Basic structure
A + 比 + B + adjective + number + measure word
A exceeds B by … items / … years / … hours.
The pattern states the exact difference.
Examples
今天的词比昨天多了十个
今天的词jīntiān de cítoday's words
比昨天bǐ zuótiānthan yesterday
多了duō lemore
十个shí geten
The difference is exact here: 十个 — ten of them.
姐姐比我大三岁
姐姐jiějieolder sister
比我bǐ wǒthan me
大dàolder
三岁sān suìthree years
Here the gap in age is 三岁 — three years.
坐飞机比坐火车快五个多小时
坐飞机zuò fēijīgo by plane
比坐火车bǐ zuò huǒchēthan going by train
快kuàifaster
五个多小时wǔ ge duō xiǎoshíover five hours
Here the difference in time is stated exactly.
Quick rule
A + 比 + B + adjective + number + measure word
Meaning: it states the exact difference between the two.
比昨天多了十个 — ten more than yesterday
比我大三岁 — three years older than me
比坐火车快五个多小时 — over five hours faster than the train