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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'poor' or 'inferior' with 差 (chà)

    Degree & Intensity
    Description & Modification

    Structure

    Subject + 比 + Reference + 差; Subject + 很 差

    Explanation

    差 (chà), when pronounced with the fourth tone, is an adjective meaning "poor," "bad," or "inferior." It is commonly used to describe quality, performance, or conditions that fall below expectations. It can be modified by degree adverbs and used in comparative structures, such as 比…差 (worse than…).

    Examples

    • 这家餐厅的服务太差了。

      zhè jiā cāntīng de fúwù tài chà le.

      The service at this restaurant is terrible.

    • 最近他的身体状况比以前差了很多。

      zuìjìn tā de shēntǐ zhuàngkuàng bǐ yǐqián chà le hěn duō.

      His health has gotten much worse than before recently.

    • 这次考试我考得很差，需要更努力。

      zhè cì kǎoshì wǒ kǎo de hěn chà, xūyào gèng nǔlì.

      I did very poorly on this exam; I need to work harder.

    Often Confused With

    Expressing 'poor' or 'inferior' with 差 (chà) | Chinese Grammar