In the Japanese language, particles play a crucial role in indicating the grammatical functions of words and phrases within a sentence. When it comes to expressing comparisons, there are specific particles used to convey the meaning of “than” or “compared to.” These particles are essential for constructing sentences that compare two or more items, people, or actions. In this explanation, we will explore the main particles used for comparison in Japanese and provide example sentences to illustrate their usage.
より (yori):
The particle より (yori) is one of the most common particles used in comparisons in Japanese. It is typically used to indicate that one thing is “more” or “less” than another. The basic structure is as follows:
[Comparison Target 1] + より + [Comparison Target 2]
Example Sentences:
a) 私は犬より猫が好きです。
Watashi wa inu yori neko ga suki desu.
I like cats more than dogs.
b) 彼の方が私より背が高いです。
Kare no hō ga watashi yori se ga takai desu.
He is taller than me.
よりも (yorimo):
The particle よりも (yorimo) is similar to より (yori) and is used to express comparisons of degree. It emphasizes the difference between the two items being compared. The basic structure is as follows:
[Comparison Target 1] + よりも + [Comparison Target 2]
Example Sentences:
a) 彼女は私よりも英語が上手です。
Kanojo wa watashi yorimo eigo ga jōzu desu.
She is better at English than me.
b) 彼は兄よりも背が低いです。
Kare wa ani yorimo se ga hikui desu.
He is shorter than his older brother.
のほうが (no hō ga):
The particle のほうが (no hō ga) is used to indicate that one thing is more preferable, superior, or advantageous than another. It implies a comparison in terms of quality or quantity. The basic structure is as follows:
[Comparison Target 1] + のほうが + [Comparison Target 2]
Example Sentences:
a) ケーキのほうがクッキーよりおいしいです。
Kēki no hō ga kukkī yori oishii desu.
Cake is tastier than cookies.
b) 学校のほうが家より遠いです。
Gakkō no hō ga ie yori tōi desu.
The school is farther than my house.
よりも〜のほうが (yorimo ~ no hō ga):
The combination of よりも (yorimo) and のほうが (no hō ga) can be used together to emphasize a stronger comparison. It highlights the difference between two items and adds a sense of “even more” or “much more.”
The basic structure is as follows:
[Comparison Target 1] + よりも + [Comparison Target 2] + のほうが
Example Sentences:
a) 高速道路のほうが国道よりもよりも速く走れます。
Kōsokudōro no hō ga kokudō yorimo hayaku hashiremasu.
You can drive faster on the highway than on the national road.
b) このスマートフォンのほうが以前のモデルよりも性能が優れています。
Kono sumātofon no hō ga izen no moderu yorimo seinō ga sugureteimasu.
This smartphone has better performance than the previous model.
ほど (hodo):
The particle ほど (hodo) is used to indicate the degree or extent of a comparison. It can be translated as “as… as” or “to the extent of.” The basic structure is as follows:
[Comparison Target 1] + ほど + [Comparison Target 2]
Example Sentences:
a) 彼は頭の良さほど努力もしました。
Kare wa atama no yosa hodo doryoku mo shimashita.
He put in effort to the extent of his intelligence.
b) この映画は面白さほど人気があります。
Kono eiga wa omoshirosa hodo ninki ga arimasu.
This movie is popular to the extent of its entertainment value.
By using these comparison particles, you can construct sentences that express various degrees of comparison in Japanese. It is essential to practice using them in different contexts to become comfortable with their usage and nuances. Additionally, expanding your vocabulary will allow you to create more diverse and nuanced comparison sentences.
Originally posted 2023-07-13 15:56:58.