How to Compare Things in Japanese
Comparing things is an essential part of communication, whether it’s in everyday conversations or formal writing. In Japanese, comparing things can be done using various structures and expressions. This article will guide you through the process of comparing things in Japanese, providing you with useful phrases and examples.
1. Using “より” and “より～より～” Structures
One of the most common ways to compare things in Japanese is by using the word “より” (yori), which means “more” or “better.” The structure “AよりBよりC” (A yori B yori C) is used to compare three things, with “C” being the most superior or most extreme.
Example:
– この本はその本より厚いです。 (Kono hon wa sono hon yori atsui desu.)
– This book is thicker than that one.
Another variation is “Aより～よりB” (A yori ~ yori B), which is used to compare two things, with “B” being the superior or more extreme one.
Example:
– この花はその花より美しいです。 (Kono hana wa sono hana yori umai desu.)
– This flower is more beautiful than that one.
2. Using “～より～は” Structure
The structure “～より～は” (～ yori ~ wa) is used to emphasize the comparison between two things. It is often used to highlight the superiority or the difference between the two items being compared.
Example:
– このリンゴはそのリンゴより甘いはずです。 (Kono ringo wa sono ringo yori amai hazu desu.)
– I bet this apple is sweeter than that one.
3. Using “～より～が” Structure
The structure “～より～が” (～ yori ~ ga) is used to indicate the cause or reason behind the comparison. It is often used to explain why one thing is better or more suitable than the other.
Example:
– この車はその車より静かが、高価です。 (Kono kuruma wa sono kuruma yori shizuka ga, takahai desu.)
– This car is quieter than that one, but it’s expensive.
4. Using “～より～より～が” Structure
The structure “～より～より～が” (～ yori ~ yori ~ ga) is used to emphasize the cause or reason behind the comparison, similar to the “～より～が” structure. However, it is more formal and emphasizes the cause even more.
Example:
– この映画はその映画より興味深いが、難しいです。 (Kono eiga wa sono eiga yori kikaneki ga, muzukai desu.)
– This movie is more interesting than that one, but it’s difficult.
In conclusion, comparing things in Japanese can be done using various structures and expressions. By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and practicing them, you’ll be able to effectively compare things in your conversations and writing.
