It's rather nice to be able to read an article on how to use 比较 to mean "rather." And here it is!

Structure

The adverb 比较 (bǐjiào) can be used to express "quite," "rather," or "relatively." It's a way of comparing one thing with a general idea instead of comparing two concrete things.

Examples

这个问题比较简单。Zhège wèntí bǐjiào jiǎndān.This question is rather easier.
我觉得这个价格比较合理。Wǒ juéde zhège jiàgé bǐjiào hélǐ.I think this price is rather reasonable.
我上班坐地铁比较方便。Wǒ shàngbān zuò dìtiě bǐjiào fāngbiàn.It's rather convenient for me to take the metro to work.
大城市的工作压力比较大。Dà chéngshì de gōngzuò yālì bǐjiào dà.Working pressure in big cities are rather more.
我家离市中心比较近。Wǒ jiā lí shìzhōngxīn bǐjiào jìn.My place is rather close to downtown.
这件衬衫大小比较合适。Zhè jiàn chènshān dàxiǎo bǐjiào héshì.The size of this shirt is rather suitable.
现在的年轻人比较喜欢用 App 看电视。Xiànzài de niánqīng rén bǐjiào xǐhuan yòng App kàn diànshì.Nowadays young people prefer to use App to watch TV.
我比较讨厌男人说脏话。Wǒ bǐjiào tǎoyàn nánrén shuō zānghuà.I hate it when men say dirty words.
中国政府比较关注农村的发展。Zhōngguó zhèngfǔ bǐjiào guānzhù nóngcūn de fāzhǎn.Chinese government cares a lot about the development of the rural area.
换个话题吧，这个话题比较敏感。Huàn gè huàtí ba, zhège huàtí bǐjiào mǐngǎn.Let's change the subject. This one is rather sensitive.

Structure

Examples

See also

Sources and further reading

Books