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Introduction to Literary Chinese - Lesson 7, Text 3

Adapted from the 1927 book by J. Brandt

Grammatical section.

THE COMPARATIVE PARTICLES.

The following are the particles which are used in comparative constructions.

A. Single particles:

The single particles are used when two or many objects are compared and when one object is represented as more preferable to another or many others. The meaning of these particles corresponds to the English “than”.

B. Compound particles:

... (or ) (or , , , )

The compound particles are used when two actions or states are compared and when one of them is represented as more preferable.

The combinations:

... or ,

mean: “it is better... than”.

The combinations:

(or , , , )

mean: “as compared with... it is better (or 'there is nothing equal' etc.)”

When it is only stated that an object, state or action is more preferable without comparing it with any other, the particles: 不如 不若, 寧, are used. These particles correspond to the English expressions: “better”, “it is better”.

Examples of using the comparative particles

①
The ships built by foreigners are more solid than the Chinese ships (lit. China).
②
The timber from the foreign hills is more substantial than (the timber) from the interior.
③
The trouble caused by the Han is still greater (尤芒) than (c) (that caused by) the Yang-tzu (is an expletive).
④
At this time the vessels that enter the port are higher than the houses on the banks. (☑ is a sign of the participle),
⑤ 。。
I dislike death indeed, but there is that which I dislike more than death.
⑥
More valuable than silver.
⑦
Tzu-kung is superior to Chung-ni.
⑧ 。。
Of the things in the world which hurt the people at the present time, there is nothing worse than the clerks and official servants of the sub-prefectures and districts.
⑨
I am a day older than you are.
⑩
Different from what I heard.
⑪
I would rather die than go.
⑫
Better to be the victim of ingratitude than to be ungrateful.
⑬ 。。
Better to be straightforward and wanting in ability than unprincipled and clever.
⑭ 。
I would rather have my life shortened ten years than suffer poverty in my old age.
⑮ 。。
Better be a dog, in times of general peace than a man in the midst of civil wars.
⑯ 。
Better mend the torn clothes of a pauper than be the concubine of a rich man.
⑰ 。。
Better not come at all than come late.
⑱ 。。
Repentance at the end is not so good as caution in thebeginning.
⑲ 。。
Being old and useless, she had better poison herself.
⑳
It is better to keep the post vacant and not employ any one.