Definition
不及 (bù jí) is a formal verb meaning 'not as good as' or 'to fall short of', used to compare two things in ability, quality, or quantity. It is similar to 不如 (bù rú) but slightly more literary; 不如 is more common in everyday speech and can also suggest a preferable action ('it would be better to'). 不亚于 (bù yà yú) is a stronger, more emphatic way to say 'not inferior to'.
verb
not as good asto fall short ofto be inferior to
Easily confused
- 补给bǔ jǐsound-alike(verb) to supply, to replenish
Examples
- 不及。Zhège chéngshì de kōngqì zhìliàng bù jí yǐqián.The air quality in this city is not as good as before.
- 不及。Tā de Yīngyǔ shuǐpíng bù jí wǒ gāo.His English level is not as high as mine.
- 不及。Gōngsī jīnnián de lìrùn bù jí qùnián.The company's profit this year falls short of last year's.
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