更好
gèng hǎo
The English word 'better' can be translated into Chinese using several forms, most commonly 更好 (gèng hǎo). Wiktionary also lists 比較好的 / 比较好的 (bǐjiào hǎo de) and 較好的 / 较好的 (jiào hǎo de).
Meaning: comparative of the adjectives good or well (adj)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 更好 | gèng hǎo |
| 比較好的 / 比较好的 | bǐjiào hǎo de |
| 較好的 / 较好的 | jiào hǎo de |
These terms are used to express the comparative of 'good' or 'well'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 更好 is composed of 更 (meaning more or even more) and 好 (meaning good).
Which one should you use?
While 更好 is a direct way to say 'better', 比較好的 or 比较好的 is often used when describing a 'relatively better' option or a 'comparatively good' one. The form 較好的 or 较好的 is a more formal or written version of 比較好的 or 比较好的.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal writing or official contexts, you can use 较好 to mean 'better' or 更优 to emphasize superiority in professional settings. In everyday conversation, if you want to say 'a bit better', you should use the informal phrase 好一点 or 稍微好一些 when expressing that something has improved slightly.
How do you pronounce it?
gèng hǎo
Did you know?
- The word 好 (hǎo) can be doubled to form 好好地 (hǎo hǎo de). While it shares a root with 'better', this structure actually means to do something 'properly' or 'thoroughly'.
- The formal term for 'better' or 'optimal', 优 (yōu), is a key component in the Chinese term for 'Pareto optimality', which is 帕累托最优 (pà lēi tuō zuì yōu).
- While 更好 describes quality, the word 好 can also mean 'finished' or 'ready' when referring to a task.
Examples in context
- 這裡有箇更好的。Here's an even better one.This example shows how to use 更好 to refer to an even better object.Tatoeba #5931783 by verdastelo9604, translation #2891233 by CK
- 有些事不做更好。Some things are better left undone.This sentence uses 更好 to suggest a course of action is better left undone.Tatoeba #6152992 by verdastelo9604, translation #2069338 by halfb1t
- 我在想更好的計劃。I'm trying to think of a better plan.This sentence illustrates using 更好 to describe seeking a better plan.Tatoeba #5687004 by verdastelo9604, translation #2540043 by CK
- 这种方法更好This method is better.
- 你的建议较好Your suggestion is better.
- 他的职业前景更优His career prospects are better.
- 这本书好一点This book is a bit better.
- 这个电视剧比较好看This TV series is quite good.
- 这次考试我稍微好一些I did slightly better in this exam.
- 我觉得这种方法更好。I think this method is better.
- 这个餐厅的服务较好。The service at this restaurant is better.
- 这次的成绩真的比以前好一点。This time, the grades are really a bit better than before.
- 她的打扮稍微好一些。Her appearance is slightly better.
- 69 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new restaurant option.
- 俊杰 Junjie這家店的味道更好嗎？Zhè jiā diàn de wèidào gèng hǎo ma?Does the food at this shop taste better?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我覺得更好吃。Shì de, wǒ juéde gèng hǎochī.Yes, I think it is more delicious.
- 俊杰 Junjie那我們下次來這裡吧。Nà wǒmen xià cì lái zhèlǐ ba.Then let's come here next time.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好主意，俊杰。Hǎo zhǔyì, Jùnjié.Good idea, Junjie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “better” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
