We use comparative expressions in our daily lives to think and evaluate while making comparisons. Being able to use comparative expressions allows us to communicate what we want to say in a way that is easy to understand. Adjectives are essential when using comparative expressions. In this article, we will explain four commonly used comparative expressions in Japanese, as well as some useful adjectives to remember.
1. A is more than B (A wa B yori～desu)
This is a standard Japanese comparative expression used in everyday conversation. Rather than saying "America is big," it is easier for the listener to understand if you state the thing you are comparing it to, such as "America is bigger than Japan."
Example sentences
America is larger than Japan.
Amerika wa Nihon yori hiroi desu.
The United States is larger than Japan.
When comparing areas, try using the Japanese word "hiroi" which means "wide." The antonym of "hiroi" is "semai" in Japanese.
Example sentences
Paul is taller than I am.
Pōru wa watashi yori se ga takai desu.
Paul is taller than me.
When comparing heights, try using the Japanese word "takai" which means "tall." The antonym of "takai" is "hikui" in Japanese.
Example sentences
Emily is faster than Kate.
Emirī wa Keito yori ashi ga hayai desu.
Emily runs faster than Kate.
When comparing the speed at which things are moving, try using the Japanese word "hayai" which means "fast." The antonym of "hayai" is "slow" which is "osoi" in Japanese.
Example sentences
The performance of modern microscopes is superior to that of older microscopes.
Saishin-shiki no kenbikyō no seinō wa furui kenbikyō no seinō yori mo sugurete iru.
The performance of modern microscopes is superior to that of older microscopes.
When comparing the merits and demerits of something, try using the Japanese word "sugurte iru" which means "superior." The antonym of "sugurte" is "inferior," which is expressed in Japanese as "ototte iru."
2. B is better than A.
"A yori B no hou ga～desu" is a comparative expression used when you want to emphasize B.
Example sentences
Japanese is more difficult than English.
Eigo yori nihongo no hou ga muzukashī desu.
Japanese is more difficult than English.
When comparing the difficulty of things, try using the Japanese word "muzukashī" which means "difficult." The antonym of "muzukashī" is "easy," which in Japanese is "yasashī."
Example sentences
Lions are more dangerous than turtles.
Kame yori raion no hou ga kiken desu.
Lions are more dangerous than turtles.
When comparing safety, try using the Japanese word "kiken'na" which means "dangerous." The antonym of "kiken'na" is "anzen" which is "anzen" in Japanese.
Example sentences
Ramen is more famous than udon.
Udon yori rāmen no hou ga yūmei desu.
Ramen is more famous than udon.
When comparing popularity, try using the Japanese word "yūmeina," which means "famous." Another word that expresses popularity is "ninkina,"which means "popular."
3. B is more important than A.
This expression reverses A and B in "A is better than B (A wa B yori～desu)." It is often used to express something negative, such as B being inferior to the object being compared.
Example sentences
Japan is smaller than America.
Nihon wa Amerika yori chīsai desu.
Japan is smaller than America.
The Japanese word "chisai" means "small."
Example sentences
I am shorter than Paul.
Watashi wa pōru yori se ga hikui desu.
I'm shorter than Paul.
The Japanese word "hikui" means "short" and is often used to describe someone who is short.
Example sentences
Kate is slower than Emily.
Keito wa emirī yori ashi ga osoi desu.
Kate runs slower than Emily.
One expression used to describe speed is "osoi" which means "slow."
4. A is〜 compared to B.
"Compared to ~" (~ to kurabete) is an expression that gives off a slightly more serious impression than the three comparative expressions we've introduced so far. It is mainly used in formal situations, such as school classes or business meetings. First, try memorizing the three expressions and then give it a try.
Example sentences
The Philippines is hotter than Tokyo.
Firipin wa Tōkyō to kurabete atsui desu.
The Philippines is hotter than Tokyo.
When comparing temperatures, try using the Japanese word "atsui" which means "hot." The antonym of "atsui" is "samui" in Japanese.
By the way, be careful when comparing temperatures in Japanese as it is easy to make mistakes when comparing temperatures.
When comparing temperatures, we use the Japanese word "atsui" which means "hot." It is pronounced the same as the Japanese word for "hot," but the kanji is different. The antonym of "atsui" is "tsumetai" in Japanese.
Example sentences
The euro is stronger than the yen.
Yūro wa en to kurabete takai desu.
The euro is expensive compared to the yen.
When comparing the value of things, try using the Japanese word "takai" which means "expensive." The antonym of "takai" is "yasui" in Japanese.
There are many words in Japanese that express comparison. If you are interested in Japanese comparative expressions, why not study Japanese more and become able to use a variety of Japanese expressions?
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