排比：三个以上结构相同的句子
parallelism: three or more clauses of the same shape, for rhythm and force
Structure
一…，一…，一… ／ 结构相同的分句 × 3 以上
What it means
排比 (pái bǐ) sets three or more clauses of the same shape side by side, often with a repeated word, so the meaning builds and the rhythm carries the reader.
How it is built
Repeat one frame three or more times: 读书使人明智，读书使人谦虚，读书使人在困难面前不再孤单 (Reading makes us wise, humble, never alone in hardship).
When to use it
The backbone of speeches, editorials and exam essays. Not 对仗 (6-3), two lines matched word for word and tone for tone: 排比 needs 3+ parts, may repeat words and ignores tones.
Watch out
Keep shape and length steady; order small to large, weak to strong. ✗ 一篇写家园，一篇写品格，第三篇讲的是关于责任的问题 ✓ …一篇写责任.
Examples
三篇古文，一篇写理想家园，一篇写品格，一篇写责任。
Three pieces of classical prose: one about an ideal home, one about character, one about duty.
读书使人明智，读书使人谦虚，读书使人在困难面前不再孤单。
Reading makes us wise, reading makes us humble, reading means we never face hardship alone.
他们没有钱，没有经验，也没有人看好，却硬是把公司办了起来。
They had no money, no experience and no one who believed in them, and still they got the company going.
Learn this in Lesson 229 · HSK 9+: 课本里的古文 (Classical prose from the school textbook)
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.
Open the lesson →