bei2 hei2比起
Jyutpingbei2 hei2
Yalebéi héi
Definition
Compared with; in comparison to.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a preposition to introduce the standard of comparison. It is frequently used when highlighting a contrast or a difference in degree between two states or situations. Unlike the simple comparison structure using 同 or 同埋, this emphasizes the act of weighing one thing against another.
Examples
Compared to last year, the weather is very hot this year.
Compared to taking the bus, will taking the MTR be faster?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to mean 'to give' or 'to compare' as a verb. It is strictly a prepositional marker for comparison and cannot stand alone as a verb like 比較 can.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
