较 (jiào) - To compare & relatively

较Tone 4

jiào ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

健傑

较 · jiào

To compare;

relatively;

quite;

rather;

used to indicate comparison or degree.

To comparerelativelyquite

Usage highlights

CompareRelativelyQuite largeQuite goodQuite a fewQuite obvious

Synonyms

  • 比— to compare; than
  • 较比— comparatively; relatively
  • 相对— relative; comparatively

Antonyms

  • 绝对— absolute; absolutely

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The price is relatively high (价格较高).
  • This method is quite effective (这种方法较为有效).
  • Let's compare the advantages and disadvantages (比较优缺点).
  • There is a significant difference (差别较大).

Collocations

  • Compare(比较)
  • Relatively(较为)
  • Quite large(较大)
  • Quite good(较好)
  • Quite a few(较多)
  • Quite obvious(较明显)

Idioms

  • From each according to his ability, to each according to his work (各尽所能, 按劳分配) - often uses 较 for comparison in implementation
  • Compare strengths and measure weaknesses(较长絜短)
  • Compare and contrast(相比较而言)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally derived from the character for 'carriage railing' in ancient vehicles, later borrowed for comparison meanings.
  • In modern Chinese, frequently used in comparative constructions and to express moderate degrees.
  • Common in academic and formal writing to express measured comparisons.

FAQ