比赛
bǐsài
In Chinese, the English phrase 'match' is translated as 比赛 (bǐsài).
比赛 refers specifically to a competitive match or a contest.
Meaning: a pair of items or entities with mutually suitable characteristics (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish 比赛 from other types of 'matches' in English. Do not use 比赛 to refer to a fire-starting stick, which is 火柴. Nor should you use it to describe a pair of things that go together, such as a perfect fit or a matching pair, which would be 匹配 or 配对.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word 比赛 can function as both a noun, meaning 'a match' and a verb, meaning 'to compete' or 'to match in a contest'.
How do you pronounce it?
bǐsài
Did you know?
- When talking about a 'perfect match' in a romantic sense, Chinese speakers often use 缘分 to describe the 'fate' that brought the two people together rather than a word for 'matching'.
- The character 比 (to compare) is often depicted in calligraphy as two people standing side-by-side. This visual origin reinforces the idea that a 'match' is a direct comparison of two entities.
- The word 比赛 is composed of two characters that both relate to the concept of 'competition' or 'comparing'. The first character 比 carries the sense of 'comparing' or 'side-by-side', while the second character 赛 implies 'racing' or 'surpassing'.
Examples in context
- 比赛前我一直都很紧张。I always get nervous just before a match.This sentence is useful for expressing how one feels before a 比赛.Tatoeba #2029470 by ydcok, translation #263519 by CK
- 昨天你看了和澳大利亚的比赛吗？Did you see yesterday's match against Australia?This sentence is useful for asking if someone watched a specific 比赛.Tatoeba #8775998 by crescat, translation #3583335 by mikecash
- 他很可能赢得比赛。He'll probably win the match.This sentence is useful for discussing the likelihood of winning a 比赛.Tatoeba #512507 by fucongcong, translation #13803728 by haohao
- 这个电视和音响非常匹配。(Zhège diànshì hé yīnxiǎng fēicháng pǐpèi.)This TV and speaker are a perfect match.
- 昨晚的足球比赛非常精彩。(Zuó wǎn de zúqiú bǐsài fēicháng jīngcǎi.)Last night's soccer match was very exciting.
- 他是我一直以来的最强对手。(Tā shì wǒ yīzhí yǐlái de zuì qiáng duìshǒu.)He has been my strongest match ever.
- 这双鞋和你的外套配得很好。(Zhè shuāng xié hé nǐ de wàitào pèi de hěn hǎo.)These shoes match your coat very well.
- 今天你搭的衣服很时髦。(Jīntiān nǐ dā de yīfú hěn shímáo.)Your outfit today is very fashionable.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Zihan are talking about a sports event.
- 伟 Wei你明天想去看这场比赛吗？Nǐ míngtiān xiǎng qù kàn zhè chǎng bǐsài ma?Do you want to go watch this match tomorrow?
- 梓涵 Zihan我想去，但票已经卖完了。Wǒ xiǎng qù, dàn piào yǐjīng mài wán le.I want to, but the tickets are already sold out.
- 伟 Wei真的吗？这场比赛很重要。Zhēn de ma? Zhè chǎng bǐsài hěn zhòngyào.Really? This match is very important.
- 梓涵 Zihan没错，所以很多人都想看。Méicuò, suǒyǐ hěn duō rén dōu xiǎng kàn.Exactly, that's why so many people want to watch it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
