HSK 4
# 倍
# bèi
# times
Structure
A + 是 + B + 的 + Number + 倍
How it works
The word '倍' (bèi) is used to express multiples or 'times' in Chinese. Unlike English, which uses 'twice' for two times, Chinese consistently uses the number followed by '倍'. To express an increase, you can use verbs like '增加' (zēngjiā - to increase) or '是' (shì - to be) to describe the relationship between two amounts.
Examples
这里的房价是十年前的两倍。
Zhèlǐ de fángjià shì shí nián qián de liǎng bèi.
The house prices here are double what they were ten years ago.
我现在的工资比以前增加了三倍。
Wǒ xiànzài de gōngzī bǐ yǐqián zēngjiā le sān bèi.
My current salary has increased by three times compared to before.
这个教室的大小是那个教室的四倍。
Zhège jiàoshì de dàxiǎo shì nàge jiàoshì de sì bèi.
The size of this classroom is four times that of that classroom.
Common mistakes
Do not use '倍' for reductions or fractions; it is only used for increases or multiples. For example, you cannot say 'decreased by two times' using '倍'.
Tip
To say 'twice as much' or 'double', always use '两倍' (liǎng bèi) rather than '二倍' (èr bèi) in most spoken contexts.
More HSK 4 grammar
See # 倍 in real Chinese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
Try InputDojo free