比起…来
compared with B, A is …
Structure
比起 B 来 ， A + 更／多了／得多
What it means
“Compared with B, A is …”: puts the yardstick first, then gives the verdict.
How it is built
比起 + B + 来，A + 更／多了／得多: 比起奶茶来，这杯茶清淡多了 (compared with milk tea, this is much lighter). 来 may be dropped; the subject may come first: 这杯茶比起奶茶来清淡多了.
When to use it
Less formal than 与 B 相比. The verdict usually has 更, 多了, 得多 or 一些: 比起十年前，这座城市大多了.
Watch out
As with 比, no 很 or 非常 in the verdict: ✗ 比起奶茶来，这杯茶很清淡。 ✓ …清淡多了／更清淡。
Examples
比起奶茶来，这杯茶清淡多了。
Compared with milk tea, this cup is much lighter.
比起在家做饭来，他更喜欢出去吃。
Compared with cooking at home, he prefers eating out.
比起十年前，这座城市大多了。
Compared with ten years ago, the city is much bigger.
Learn this in Lesson 35 · HSK 5–6: 喝茶的学问 (The art of tea)
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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