比較する

§ What does 比較する (hikaku suru) mean?

Japanese Word

比較する (ひかくする - hikaku suru)

Meaning

To compare; to examine differences and similarities.

CEFR Level

B1

The verb 比較する (hikaku suru) is a straightforward way to say "to compare" in Japanese. It's a very practical verb that you'll use in many situations, from everyday conversations to more formal discussions. Think about all the times you compare things in English: comparing prices, comparing opinions, comparing performances, comparing qualities. In Japanese, 比較する covers all these scenarios.

The verb itself is composed of two kanji: 比較 (hikaku) meaning "comparison" and する (suru) meaning "to do." So, literally, it means "to do comparison." This pattern, where a noun is combined with する to form a verb, is very common in Japanese. Once you recognize this, you'll find it easier to understand and remember many verbs.

§ When do people use it?

You use 比較する whenever you want to highlight similarities or differences between two or more things. It's not just about finding what's different; it's also about understanding what's similar. Here are some common situations:

• Shopping: When you're trying to decide between two products, you'll 比較する their prices, features, and reviews.
• Studying: When learning a new topic, you might 比較する different theories or methods.
• Work: In a business setting, you might 比較する sales figures from different quarters or proposals from different companies.
• Daily Life: Even simple choices like deciding which route to take can involve 比較する travel times or traffic conditions.

The key idea is that you are actively engaging in the process of examining items side-by-side to draw conclusions. It's a neutral verb; it doesn't imply that one thing is necessarily better or worse, just that an examination is taking place.

Translation Hint

If you compare these two products, the prices are completely different, aren't they?

Translation Hint

When I compared his opinion and mine, there were a few common points.

You will often see 比較する used with the particle と (to) when listing the items being compared, as shown in the examples above. This particle indicates that the preceding noun is one of the things being compared.

Understanding 比較する is essential for expressing nuanced ideas in Japanese. It allows you to move beyond simple statements and engage in more analytical conversations. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in various contexts, and you'll quickly get a feel for its versatility.

Let's look at how to use 比較する (ひかくする) in sentences. This verb means 'to compare' or 'to examine differences and similarities'. It's a very practical verb to know when you want to talk about evaluating things side-by-side.

§ Basic Structure with Objects

When you compare two specific things, you usually use the particles と (to) or を (o) along with 比較する. Here's how it works:

Structure 1

A と B を 比較する (hikaku suru) - To compare A and B.

This is the most common way to say you're comparing two distinct items. Think of 'と' here as 'and' or 'with'.

Hint

It is necessary to compare these two products.

Hint

When I compare his opinion and my opinion, there are big differences.

§ Comparing One Thing to Another (Relative Comparison)

Sometimes you want to compare one thing to another, emphasizing the relationship. In this case, you'll often see the particle と (to) with the thing you're comparing against, and を (o) with the thing being compared, or just と (to) to connect them.

Structure 2

A と B を 比較する (hikaku suru) - To compare A with B.

This structure is similar to the first, but often implies a directional comparison, especially when B is a standard or reference point.

Hint

Comparing past data with the current situation, improvement can be seen.

§ Using 比較する with 'About' or 'Regarding'

When you're comparing things in terms of a certain aspect, you can use particles like に関して (ni kanshite) or について (ni tsuite) before 比較する.

Structure 3

A と B に関して 比較する (hikaku suru) - To compare A and B regarding [aspect].

Hint

Regarding prices, it would be good to compare several stores.

§ Using 比較する as a Noun

Remember that 比較 (hikaku) by itself is a noun meaning 'comparison'. You can use it in phrases like 比較をする (hikaku o suru) which also means 'to make a comparison' or 'to compare', similar to 比較する.

Hint

They made a comparison of quality.

§ Common Phrases and Usage

Here are some useful phrases and contexts where you'll often encounter 比較する:

• 〜と比べて (to kurabete): This means 'compared to ~'. While not directly using 比較する, it's a very common way to express comparison in Japanese.
• 比較対象 (hikaku taishou): This noun means 'object of comparison' or 'comparison target'.
• 比較検討する (hikaku kentou suru): This is a compound verb meaning 'to compare and examine/consider'. It implies a more thorough process of evaluation.

Hint

You should compare and consider several options.

Understanding these structures and common phrases will help you effectively use 比較する in various situations. Practice using it with different objects and contexts to solidify your understanding!

§ What 比較する (hikaku suru) means

Let's break down 比較する (hikaku suru). This verb means 'to compare' or 'to examine differences and similarities'. It's a very practical word you'll hear in many situations.

DEFINITION

To compare; to examine differences and similarities.

The word 比較 (hikaku) itself is a noun meaning 'comparison'. Adding する (suru), which means 'to do', turns it into a verb. So, literally, it's 'to do comparison'. Simple, right?

§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news

You'll encounter 比較する (hikaku suru) frequently in everyday conversations, especially in formal settings like work, school, or when discussing news topics. It's a key word for discussing choices, making decisions, or analyzing information.

• At work: When you're talking about market analysis, product features, or even comparing proposals, this word comes up a lot. You might hear phrases like 「競合他社と製品を比較する」 (kyōgō tasha to seihin o hikaku suru) – 'to compare products with competitors'.
• In school: Students often need to compare different theories, historical events, or literary works. Your teacher might ask you to 「二つの論文を比較して意見を述べなさい」 (futatsu no ronbun o hikaku shite iken o nobenasai) – 'compare the two papers and state your opinion'.
• In the news: News reports frequently compare economic data, political policies, or social trends. For example, you could see a headline like 「過去のデータと現在の状況を比較する」 (kako no dēta to genzai no jōkyō o hikaku suru) – 'comparing past data with the current situation'.

Here are some practical examples of how 比較する (hikaku suru) is used:

When you compare these two products, there isn't a big difference in features.

Let's compare various prices and choose the most advantageous one.

She always compares her grades with her friends' grades.

Understanding 比較する (hikaku suru) is essential for anyone who wants to discuss choices, analyze data, or make informed decisions in Japanese. Keep an ear out for it, and you'll quickly pick up its nuances.

§ Don't confuse it with 比較的に (hikaku-teki ni)

This is a classic mistake. While both words come from the same root, 比較する is a verb meaning "to compare," and 比較的に is an adverb meaning "comparatively" or "relatively." You wouldn't say "I comparatively two apples." That sounds odd, right? It's the same in Japanese. So, if you want to say you are actively comparing things, use 比較する. If you want to say something is comparatively good, then 比較的に is your friend.

§ Using the wrong particles

Particles are tricky in Japanese, and 比較する is no exception. When you are comparing two things, say A and B, you'll typically use 「A と B を 比較する」 (A to B o hikaku suru) or 「A と B と 比較する」 (A to B to hikaku suru). The particle と (to) here means "and" or "with." If you're comparing something *to* a standard or *against* something else, you might also see に (ni) or に対して (ni taishite). But for a simple "compare X and Y," と is your main particle.

Bad Example

リンゴがミカンが比較する (Ringo ga mikan ga hikaku suru)

This doesn't make sense because が (ga) marks the subject, and you're trying to compare two objects. It's like saying "apples are oranges are compare."

Good Example

リンゴとミカンを比較する (Ringo to mikan o hikaku suru)

This correctly uses と to link the items being compared and を to mark them as direct objects of the verb.

§ Overusing it in situations where a simpler word works

While 比較する is a great word for formal comparisons, sometimes you just need a simpler phrase. For example, if you're just talking about "looking at" or "checking out" two things to see which one is better, you might not always need 比較する. Often, just using 見る (miru - to look) or 比べる (kuraberu - to compare, often implies a direct comparison) can be more natural in casual conversation.

• If you're just casually eyeing two shirts to decide which to buy: 「この二つのシャツ、見てるだけ。」 (Kono futatsu no shatsu, miteru dake. - I'm just looking at these two shirts.)
• If you're directly contrasting two things: 「この車とあの車、どっちがいいか比べてみよう。」 (Kono kuruma to ano kuruma, docchi ga ii ka kurabete miyou. - Let's compare this car and that car to see which is better.)

比較する has a slightly more formal or analytical nuance. Think of it as comparing data, comparing performance, or making a detailed comparison. For everyday decisions, sometimes simpler is better.

§ Not understanding its transitive nature

比較する is a transitive verb, which means it takes a direct object. You compare *something*. You don't just "compare." This is important for sentence structure. Always think about what you are comparing.

Incorrect

私は比較する。(Watashi wa hikaku suru.)

This sentence is grammatically incomplete. You're missing the object of comparison.

Correct

私は二つのプランを比較する。(Watashi wa futatsu no puran o hikaku suru. - I will compare the two plans.)

Here, 「二つのプラン」 (futatsu no puran - two plans) is clearly the direct object of the verb.

Always make sure you specify what is being compared. This will make your Japanese sound much more natural and correct.

§ Understanding 比較する in Context

You've learned that 比較する (ひかくする) means 'to compare'. This is your go-to word for general comparison in Japanese. But like in English, there are other words and phrases that can express similar ideas, sometimes with nuances that make them more appropriate in specific situations. Let's look at how 比較する fits in and when you might choose other options.

§ When to use 比較する

比較する is a broad, formal, and versatile verb. It's used when you're examining two or more things to find their similarities and differences, often in an analytical or objective way. Think of it as 'to make a comparison' or 'to perform a comparison'. You'll see it a lot in academic, business, and news contexts.

Hint

Comparing these two products, you can see the prices differ greatly.

Hint

By comparing cultures, understanding deepens.

§ Similar words and their uses

While 比較する is great for general comparison, other words can offer more specific meanings or fit better in casual conversations.

• 比べる (くらべる): This is another common word for 'to compare'. It's generally more informal and often implies a direct, sometimes personal, comparison. You might use it when you're simply 'weighing up' two options or making a subjective judgment.

  去年の成績と今年の成績を比べる。

  Hint

  Compare last year's results with this year's results.

  You can think of 比べる as 'to compare (A with B)' in a more straightforward sense, whereas 比較する might be 'to make a comparison of A and B'.

• 競う (きそう): This means 'to compete' or 'to contend'. While it involves comparison (who is better?), the focus is on rivalry or striving for superiority, not just objective analysis.

  彼は友人たちとスポーツで競っている。

  Hint

  He is competing with his friends in sports.

• 評価する (ひょうかする): This means 'to evaluate' or 'to assess'. It goes beyond mere comparison to assign a value or judgment. While comparison might be a step in evaluation, 評価する implies a more definitive outcome or ranking.

  先生は学生のレポートを評価した。

  Hint

  The teacher evaluated the students' reports.

• 対比する (たいひする): This means 'to contrast'. While 比較する looks for both similarities and differences, 対比する specifically highlights the differences between two things. It's a more focused kind of comparison.

  都会の生活と田舎の生活を対比する。

  Hint

  Contrast city life with country life.

§ Key Takeaways

When you want to express 'to compare' in Japanese:

• 比較する is your safest and most formal bet for general, objective comparison.
• 比べる is more casual and often used for direct, sometimes personal, comparisons.
• Choose 競う when the comparison involves competition.
• Use 評価する when you are assessing or judging based on a comparison.
• Opt for 対比する when you specifically want to highlight differences.