比…还…
A is even more … than B, and B is already a lot
Structure
A 比 B 还／更 形容词
What it means
A is even more … than B, where B is already striking. 还 adds surprise; the phrase can also be pure exaggeration.
How it is built
A + 比 + B + 还／更 + adjective: 弟弟比哥哥还高 (The younger brother is even taller than the elder). 还要 adds stress: 比…还要大.
When to use it
还 carries surprise: B was already extreme. 更 is a plain 'even more'. For comic exaggeration use 还: 他比猴子还瘦 (he is thinner than a monkey).
Watch out
No 很 or 非常 in a 比 sentence: ✗ 他比我很高 ✓ 他比我还高. Amounts go after the adjective: 他比我高得多, 高一点.
Examples
有些方言之间的差别，比欧洲不同语言之间的差别还要大。
The gaps between some dialects are even greater than those between European languages.
弟弟比哥哥还高。
The younger brother is even taller than the elder.
Learn this in Lesson 34 · HSK 5–6: 方言与普通话 (Dialects and the standard language)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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