Vietnamese 'bằng' Usage (Expressing Equality)
'bằng' is commonly used to express 'as... as' in Vietnamese, a structure English speakers should prioritize learning.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'bằng' is commonly used to express 'as... as' in Vietnamese, a structure English speakers should prioritize learning.
English meanings
- as... as
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Tôi không cao bằng anh ấy.
I am not as tall as him.
2
Cái này đắt bằng cái kia.
This one is as expensive as that one.
How to use it
'bằng' in comparative sentences means 'as... as'. Affirmative sentences indicate equal degree, while negative sentences with 'không ... bằng' mean 'not as... as'.
- Affirmative pattern: A + adjective + bằng + B.
- Negative comparison commonly uses: A + không + adjective + bằng + B.
- 'bằng' expresses equality, not metaphorical similarity like 'like'.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, 'not as tall as him' explicitly includes the adjective after 'not'; similarly, Vietnamese places the adjective between 'không' and 'bằng', e.g. 'Tôi không cao bằng anh ấy'.
Common mistakes
Tôi không bằng cao anh ấy.
Tôi không cao bằng anh ấy.
In negative equal comparisons, the adjective goes after 'không' and before 'bằng'.
Cái này bằng đắt cái kia.
Cái này đắt bằng cái kia.
Affirmative equal comparison follows adjective + 'bằng' + object.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
What does 'không cao bằng' mean?
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Multiple choice
What does 'không cao bằng' mean?
- not as tall as
- taller than
- sing like
Answer: not as tall as
Explanation: 'không' + adjective + 'bằng' indicates not reaching the same degree as the other.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi không cao ____ anh ấy.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi không cao ____ anh ấy.
Answer: Tôi không cao bằng anh ấy.
Explanation: Affirmative pattern is A + adjective + bằng + B.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I am not as tall as him." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "I am not as tall as him." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Tôi không cao bằng anh ấy.
Explanation: Use bằng in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is 'Tôi không bằng cao anh ấy.' correct?
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True or false
Is 'Tôi không bằng cao anh ấy.' correct?
Answer: False
Explanation: In negative equal comparisons, the adjective goes after 'không' and before 'bằng'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi cao không bằng anh ấy.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi cao không bằng anh ấy.
Answer: Tôi không cao bằng anh ấy.
Explanation: 'không' should be placed before the adjective.