HSK · Level 7
134 words
Chinese word
比不上
Pronunciation
Pinyinbǐ bù shàng
Meaning
- verbbe no match for
Example
这手机比不上新的那款。zhè shǒu jī bǐ bú shàng xīn de nà kuǎn
This phone is no match for that new model.
More examples
他的经验比不上那些老员工。tā de jīng yàn bǐ bú shàng nà xiē lǎo yuán gōng
His experience is no match for those veteran employees.
Core concept
A comparison line that one side cannot cross to reach the other side's standard.
Common phrases
比不上别人bǐ bú shàng bié rén
be no match for others
比不上从前bǐ bú shàng cóng qián
be no match for the past
比不上竞争对手bǐ bú shàng jìng zhēng duì shǒu
be no match for competitors
Similar words
比不过bǐ bú guò: Being unable to beat another person or come out ahead in a comparison.
赶不上gǎn bú shàng: Failing to catch up with another person or thing in speed or level.
不如bù rú: Being inferior to another person or thing in general quality or ability.
Definition in Chinese
表示在质量、能力或程度上达不到对方的水平，不能与对方相提并论，常用结构为“X比不上Y”。biǎo shì zài zhì liàng néng lì huò chéng dù shàng dá bú dào duì fāng de shuǐ píng bù néng yǔ duì fāng xiāng tí bìng lùn cháng yòng jié gòu wèi X bǐ bú shàng Y
Word origin
比 (bǐ, "compare") supplies the comparison, while 不 (bù, "not") and 上 (shàng, "reach") show that the first side does not arrive at the other's level.
Usage tips
- Unlike English "lose to," this expression commonly compares quality, ability, or performance without suggesting a contest, so it fits many everyday judgments.