A + 形容词 + 于 + B
A is more … than B (written; in argument and set sayings)
Structure
A ＋ 形容词（强／优／胜／重／甚…） 于 B
What it means
“A is more … than B”: a written comparison of qualities and values, common in argument and set sayings.
How it is built
A + one-syllable adjective + 于 + B, degree words in front: 孩子的健康快乐远重于考试分数 (a child's health and happiness matter far more than marks). Common: 强于, 优于, 胜于, 重于, 甚于.
When to use it
Essays, reviews and sayings: 事实胜于雄辩 (facts speak louder than words). You met it with numbers in 5-13 (高于, 低于). In everyday speech use 比: A 比 B 强.
Watch out
No 比 or 很: ✗比逻辑强于 ✗很强于 ✓远强于, 略优于. 善于 (good at) and 忠于 (loyal to) look alike but compare nothing.
Examples
在他看来，中国人的常识强于逻辑。
In his view, the Chinese are stronger on common sense than on logic.
事实胜于雄辩，数据都摆在这里，你还有什么话说？
Facts speak louder than words: the figures are all here, so what more can you say?
在不少家长看来，孩子的健康快乐远重于考试分数。
To many parents a child’s health and happiness matter far more than exam marks.
Learn this in Lesson 252 · HSK 9+: 林语堂《吾国与吾民》 (Lin Yutang’s My Country and My People)
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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