比
bǐ · HSK 1
compared with
⚖️ 比 = two 匕 (spoons) side by side — two things lined up to compare
The character shows two 匕 figures standing next to each other, the original sense being two people side-by-side. From that came the meaning of placing things alongside one another to compare them.
比 — two 匕 (person) side by side
比 is a pictograph showing two people standing side by side, facing the same direction. From this image of paired figures came the core meaning 'to compare' or 'to be next to,' since comparing things naturally involves placing them alongside each other.