HSK 4
差不多 #
chàbuduō #
about #
Structure
Subject + 差不多 + Number/Time OR A 和 B + 差不多
How it works
The word '差不多' (chàbuduō) can function as either an adjective or an adverb to indicate that things are very similar or that a quantity/time is nearly reached. As an adjective, it means 'almost the same,' and as an adverb, it means 'about' or 'nearly.' It is frequently used before numbers, time expressions, or at the end of a comparison.
Examples
我们两个人的身高差不多。
Wǒmen liǎng gè rén de shēngāo chàbuduō.
The two of us are about the same height.
我等了你差不多一个小时。
Wǒ děngle nǐ chàbuduō yīgè xiǎoshí.
I waited for you for almost an hour.
作业已经做得差不多了。
Zuòyè yǐjīng zuò de chàbuduō le.
The homework is almost finished.
Common mistakes
Do not use '差不多' when the difference is large; it is only for small margins or high similarity.
Tip
When '差不多' is used as an adjective meaning 'similar,' you don't need to add '一样' after it.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 差不多 # in real Chinese
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