较 (jiào) — (adverb) relatively, comparatively, rather (modifying an adjective); (preposition) compared to, than (introducing the standard of comparison)
Definition
较 (jiào) is the written/formal word for 'relatively, comparatively' before an adjective. 比 introduces the standard of comparison ('than'); 较为 is a slightly more emphatic written adverbial form of 较.
adverb
relativelycomparativelyrather (modifying an adjective)
preposition
compared tothan (introducing the standard of comparison)
Examples
- 较。Zhè ge cài jiào hǎo chī.This dish is relatively tasty.
- 较。Tā jiào yǐ qián gèng nǔ lì le.He is more diligent than before.
- 较。Jīn tiān de kǎo shì jiào jiǎn dān.Today's exam is relatively simple.
Origin
Sound + meaning六书liùshū
形声xíngshēngMost characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.
This origin belongs to the traditional form 較; 较 is its simplified writing.
Meaning part形符xíngfú
車車jūvehicle
In the traditional form 較, 車 (vehicle) gives the sense and 交 gives the sound; the simplified 较 is a later abbreviation.
Appears in
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