HSK 4
N & N 差不多
N & N chàbuduō
N & N are about the same
Structure
A + 和/跟 + B + 差不多
How it works
The expression '差不多' (chàbuduō) is used as a predicate to indicate that two or more things are very similar or nearly the same. It can quantify degree, quality, size, or quantity without needing a specific adjective following it.
Examples
他的水平跟我差不多。
Tā de shuǐpíng gēn wǒ chàbuduō.
His level is about the same as mine.
这两个手机的样子差不多。
Zhè liǎng gè shǒujī de yàngzi chàbuduō.
The appearance of these two phones is almost the same.
这两种药的效果差不多。
Zhè liǎng zhǒng yào de xiàoguǒ chàbuduō.
The effects of these two kinds of medicine are similar.
Common mistakes
Do not use 'very' (很) before 差不多, as the word already implies a high degree of similarity.
Tip
If you want to say two things are 'exactly' the same, use 一样 (yíyàng). Use 差不多 when there are minor differences you are ignoring.
More HSK 4 grammar
See N & N 差不多 in real Chinese
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