相比之下 xiāngbǐ zhī xià

相比之下（xiāngbǐ zhī xià）means “By comparison / in contrast”. 相比之下 is a connective placed at the head of the second sentence to introduce a comparison with what was just said. Formation: …，相比之下，… (常置于第二个分句句首)

By comparison / in contrast

HSK6

Formation

…，相比之下，… (常置于第二个分句句首)

Explanation

相比之下 is a connective placed at the head of the second sentence to introduce a comparison with what was just said. It presents the second item as measured against the first, often to highlight which is better, worse, or more notable. It works at the discourse level (linking two statements), not inside a single 比 sentence.

Examples

这两个方案，相比之下，这个更好。
zhè liǎng gè fāng'àn, xiāngbǐ zhī xià, zhège gèng hǎo.
Of these two plans, by comparison, this one is better.
哥哥很外向；相比之下，弟弟安静多了。
gēge hěn wàixiàng; xiāngbǐ zhī xià, dìdi ānjìng duō le.
The older brother is outgoing; by comparison, the younger one is much quieter.

Note

Usually followed by a comma. Needs a preceding statement to compare against.

FAQ

相比之下 — what does it mean and how is it used?

By comparison / in contrast. 相比之下 is a connective placed at the head of the second sentence to introduce a comparison with what was just said. It presents the second item as measured against the first, often to highlight which is better, worse, or more notable. It works at the discourse level (linking two statements), not inside a single 比 sentence.

相比之下 — how do you form it?

…，相比之下，… (常置于第二个分句句首)

相比之下 — any usage notes?

Usually followed by a comma. Needs a preceding statement to compare against.

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