比不上

bǐ bù shàng
phraseIntermediate
informal

To be inferior to or not as good as someone or something else in terms of quality, ability, or performance.

这家餐厅的服务比不上隔壁的。

This restaurant's service is not as good as the one next door.

我的中文比不上你的流利。

My Chinese is not as fluent as yours.

💡

This phrase is commonly used to express a sense of inadequacy or inferiority in comparison to others.

Collocations

比不上别人not as good as others比不上预期not as good as expected

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

不如phrase
not as good as
赶不上phrase

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations to compare oneself or something to others in a humble or self-critical way.

Gold Rule

Politeness

Using '比不上' can be a polite way to express that something is not as good as expected without sounding overly critical.

📖Word Origin

The phrase is composed of '比' (to compare), '不' (not), and '上' (to surpass), literally meaning 'cannot surpass'.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in casual conversations to express humility or to acknowledge a shortcoming. It can also be used in a self-deprecating manner.

Word Breakdown

to compare
root
+
not
root
+
to surpass
root
汉英词典