Classical Comparative Constructions (于、与、莫...如)

These structures do not work exactly like the modern 比 pattern. In modern Chinese, the comparison word usually comes before the adjective. For example, A 比 B 大. In classical structures, the order often flips. The comparison marker often follows the adjective or verb. Take 于 as an example. It acts like the English word "than." You place it right after the quality you are describing. It links the adjective directly to the object of comparison. 与 works differently. It focuses on similarity or contrast between two things. It often pairs with words like 同 or 相比. Finally, 莫...如 is the king of superlatives. It literally means "nothing is like." It tells your listener that something is the absolute best. These patterns are fixed and very stable. Once you learn the rhythm, they are easy to use.

1. 1For 于 comparisons: [Subject] + [Adjective/Verb] + 于 + [Object].
2. 2Example: 产量高于去年 (Output is higher than last year).
3. 3For 与 comparisons: [A] + 与 + [B] + [相仿/不同/相比].
4. 4Example: 质量与以前相仿 (Quality is similar to before).
5. 5For 莫...如 superlatives: [Subject] + 莫过于 + [The Best Thing].
6. 6Example: 幸福莫过于团圆 (Nothing is happier than a reunion).
7. 7Note: 莫如 can also suggest a preferred action: [Action A] + 莫如 + [Action B].

Use these when you want to impress. They are perfect for business presentations. Use them when comparing quarterly results. They belong in academic essays and news reports. You will see them in formal invitations too. Use 于 when you need to be brief. It is much shorter than using 比. Use 与 when you want to sound balanced and objective. It is great for comparing two products or ideas. Use 莫...如 when you want to make a strong point. It adds emotional weight to your statements. It is perfect for concluding a speech. Even in a job interview, these show you have high literacy. They prove you have moved beyond beginner textbooks.

Do not use these while buying vegetables at the market. It will sound very strange and overly dramatic. Avoid them in casual text messages with close friends. You might sound like you are reciting ancient poetry. Do not use them if you are unsure of the adjective. Some adjectives do not pair well with 于. For example, you wouldn't say 红于. Stick to formal adjectives like 优, 高, or 长. If the situation is relaxed, just use 比. It is like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ. You can do it, but everyone will stare. Keep these tools for the right stage.

One big mistake is mixing 比 and 于 together. Never say A 比 B 优于. That is repetitive and grammatically broken. Use one or the other. Another mistake is putting 于 in the wrong place. Remember, it follows the adjective. Do not put it before the adjective like 比. Some people forget that 与 needs a concluding word. You cannot just say A 与 B. You must add 相同 or 不同 at the end. Also, watch out for 莫过于. It is a set phrase. Do not try to break it apart or change the characters. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! Just take it slow and check your word order.

Let's look at 比 versus 于. 比 is flexible and common. You can add modifiers like 一点 or 得多. 于 is rigid and formal. You rarely add modifiers after it. 与...相比 is more wordy than 于. It is used to set the stage for a longer explanation. 莫...如 is much stronger than 最. 最 is just a fact. 莫...如 is a bold claim. It carries a sense of wisdom and finality. Think of 比 as a t-shirt. Think of 于 as a blazer. Think of 莫...如 as a crown. They all cover the same ground but feel very different.