A比B vs A好过B

[nauht]

Hello!

I found out there are two ways to compare things: A比B<adjective> and A<adjective>过B. Example: “A is better than B"

A比B好
A好过B

Since I have Cantonese background, I tend to prefer the second way of saying A is better than B. Are there any subtle differences between the two or is it more of a regional thing?

Thanks!
Thuan

[jane1000288416]

Hi Thuan,
I think these two ways of comparing things are pretty much the same. Or at least I can't think of any major differences. Probably just like what you said, it's more a regional thing. Cheers.

Regards,

Jane

[nauht]

Thanks for the reply. I was talking to my native Chinese friend about this and she told me that A好过B is more colloquial where as A比B is more formal. So in written language you would see A比B used. Do you think that's the case too?

[jane1000288416]

Hi Nauht,
In written Chinese, we definitely see the pattern "A比B好" being commonly used. But it is also often used in spoken language in my opinion. When I speak, I rarely use "A好过B". So I guess it really depends on individual habit. Simply saying one is more formal, the other is more causal in this case is a bit weak, I think. Cheers,

Regards,

Jane