不如(bùrú)
Not as Good As / Might as Well
Structure Pattern
Explanation
不如 (bùrú) is a versatile comparison word with two main uses:
- A is not as good as B: It means A is inferior to B. It's similar to 没有, but strongly implies "not equal to / worse than."
- Might as well do B: When comparing two actions or situations, it suggests that choosing option B is the better idea ("It would be better to..."). In this case, it's often followed by 我们 (we) or directly by an action.
Example Sentences
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Wǒ de diànnǎo bùrú nǐ de kuài.
My computer is not as fast as yours. (Inferiority)
Yǔqí bàoyuàn, bùrú xiǎng bànfǎ jiějué.
Rather than complaining, it would be better to find a solution. (Suggestion)
Jīntiān tiānqì bù hǎo, wǒmen bùrú zài jiālǐ kàn diànyǐng.
The weather is bad today, we might as well watch a movie at home.
Bǎi wén bùrú yí jiàn.
Hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once (Seeing is believing).
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
他跑步不如我慢。
Correct Usage
他跑步不如我快。
不如 usually compares things on a positive scale (fast, good, smart). Saying "He is not as slow as me" using 不如 sounds awkward. Use 没有 for neutral negative comparisons (他跑得没有我慢).
Related Grammar Points
Master 不如
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