A2 particle 5 Min. Lesezeit

〜より

This particle means 'than' and is used to compare two things.

-yori

Explanation at your level:

Hello! Today we learn 〜より. It is a small word that means 'than'. We use it when we want to say something is different from something else. For example, 'This apple is big. That apple is small.' We can say, 'This apple is bigger than that apple.' In Japanese, we say 'That apple より this apple is big.' It helps us compare things, like toys or food. It's a very useful word!

The particle 〜より is used in Japanese to make comparisons, similar to the English word 'than'. You place it after the item you are comparing *from*. For instance, if you want to say 'My cat is cuter than your dog', you would structure it as 'Your dog より my cat is cute'. It's essential for expressing preferences or differences between two things. You'll often use it with adjectives like 'big', 'small', 'hot', or 'cold'. Keep practicing with simple examples, and you'll get the hang of it quickly!

〜より is a fundamental particle for comparative sentences in Japanese, translating to 'than'. It follows the noun or pronoun that serves as the point of comparison. For example, to say 'Train travel is more convenient than bus travel', you would say バスより電車の方が便利です (Basu yori densha no hou ga benri desu). Notice the common addition of 〜の方が (no hou ga), which helps clarify the comparison and often emphasizes the second item. You can also use it for superlatives by adding 一番 (ichiban), like この店は一番おいしいです (Kono mise wa ichiban oishii desu) – 'This restaurant is the most delicious' (implying 'than others'). Understanding 〜より is key to expressing opinions and making nuanced statements.

The particle 〜より plays a crucial role in comparative and superlative constructions in Japanese. It functions as the marker for the standard of comparison, meaning 'than'. The structure typically involves placing 〜より after the first item in a comparison: [Item A] より [Item B] は [Adjective/Verb]. For instance, 兄さんより弟の方が背が高い (Niisan yori otouto no hou ga se ga takai) – 'My younger brother is taller than my older brother.' The use of 〜の方が (no hou ga) is very common and often preferred for clarity, especially in spoken Japanese. When forming superlatives, 〜より can be combined with 一番 (ichiban), as in 世界で一番大きい山はエベレストです (Sekai de ichiban ookii yama wa Eeburesuto desu) – 'The world's largest mountain is Everest' (implicitly comparing it to all other mountains). Be mindful of register; while 〜の方が is common, omitting it might sound slightly abrupt in formal contexts.

In Japanese grammar, 〜より serves as the essential comparative particle, equivalent to 'than' in English. It is appended to the element being used as the baseline for comparison. The typical construction is [Standard of Comparison] より [Compared Item] は/が [Predicate]. For example, 最新のモデルは前のモデルより機能が多い (Saishin no moderu wa mae no moderu yori kinou ga ooi) – 'The latest model has more features than the previous model.' The particle 〜の方が (no hou ga) is frequently employed alongside 〜より to add emphasis and clarity to the compared item, particularly in spoken discourse. Its omission in certain contexts can imply a more direct or even slightly stark comparison. Furthermore, 〜より is integral to forming superlatives when paired with 一番 (ichiban), effectively creating a comparison against all other potential items within a defined set.

The particle 〜より is a cornerstone of comparative and superlative expressions in Japanese. Its etymological roots in the verb 依る (yoru), meaning 'to depend on' or 'to be based on', illuminate its function as establishing a reference point for comparison. The standard grammatical pattern is [Reference Point] より [Compared Entity] は/が [Comparative Predicate]. For instance, 彼の説明は私の予想より遥かに詳細だった (Kare no setsumei wa watashi no yosou yori haruka ni shousai datta) – 'His explanation was far more detailed than my expectations.' The frequent co-occurrence with 〜の方が (no hou ga) serves to foreground the compared entity, adding rhetorical weight. In less common but nuanced usage, 〜より can appear in constructions implying exclusivity or necessity, such as 〜より他(ほか)に〜ない (yori hoka ni ~ nai), meaning 'there is no alternative but...'. Understanding the subtle shifts in emphasis and register associated with its usage, particularly concerning the optionality of 〜の方が, is crucial for advanced fluency.

Wort in 30 Sekunden

  • 〜より is a particle meaning 'than'.
  • It's used to compare two things.
  • It follows the item being compared *from*.
  • Often used with 〜の方が for emphasis.

Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese particle 〜より (yori). Think of it as your go-to for making comparisons, just like the word 'than' in English. It's a tiny word with a big job, helping us understand differences and similarities between things. Whether you're talking about how fast someone runs, how tall a building is, or how delicious a certain food tastes, 〜より is there to help you make that comparison clear and natural.

Basically, whenever you want to say 'A is more/less/different than B', you'll be using 〜より. It always comes *after* the thing you're comparing *from*. So, if you're comparing apples and oranges, and you want to say apples are sweeter, you'd structure it like 'apples than oranges, sweeter'. It's a fundamental building block for expressing nuanced ideas in Japanese, and once you get the hang of it, you'll find yourself using it all the time!

The particle 〜より has a fascinating origin rooted in classical Japanese. It evolved from the verb 依る (yoru), which originally meant 'to depend on,' 'to rely on,' or 'to be based on.' Over time, this sense of 'being based on' or 'originating from' a certain point of reference naturally extended to comparative contexts.

Think about it: when you compare A to B, B becomes the reference point. You're saying A is different *based on* B. This connection between 'relying on' and 'comparing against' is the key to understanding 〜より's journey. In older forms of Japanese, you might see variations or related particles that served similar comparative functions, but 〜より solidified its place as the standard marker for 'than' in modern Japanese. It’s a great example of how language evolves organically, with meanings shifting and adapting through common usage.

Using 〜より is pretty straightforward once you grasp the basic structure: [Thing A] より [Thing B] が/は [Adjective/Verb]. Remember, 〜より always follows the item that serves as the basis for comparison (Thing A). For example, りんごよりバナナの方が好きです (Ringo yori banana no hou ga suki desu) – 'Than apples, I prefer bananas.' Here, 'apples' (りんご) is the basis for comparison.

You'll often see 〜より paired with phrases like 〜の方が (no hou ga) or 〜が一番 (ga ichiban) to make the comparison even clearer. 〜の方が emphasizes the item that follows it, while 〜が一番 is used for superlatives ('the most'). For instance, 東京より大阪の方が大きいです (Tokyo yori Osaka no hou ga ookii desu) – 'Osaka is bigger than Tokyo.' And for a superlative: この本は他の本より面白いです (Kono hon wa hoka no hon yori omoshiroi desu) – 'This book is more interesting than the others.' (Note: when comparing something to 'others' generally, you might omit the specific 'other' item and just use 〜より).

In casual conversation, sometimes the 〜の方が part might be dropped, but the meaning remains clear. However, in formal writing or speech, it's generally best to include it for clarity. It’s a versatile particle that fits into many different sentence structures, making your Japanese richer and more expressive!

While 〜より itself isn't typically part of a fixed idiom in the way we might think of English idioms, it's crucial for forming many common comparative expressions. These aren't 'idioms' with hidden meanings, but rather standard grammatical patterns that are used so frequently they feel like set phrases.

Here are some common ways 〜より is used:

  • 〜よりずっと〜 (yori zutto ~): This means 'much more ~ than'. It emphasizes the degree of difference. Example: 去年よりずっと寒いです (Kyonen yori zutto samui desu) - It's much colder than last year.
  • 〜よりましだ (yori mashi da): This translates to 'better than' or 'preferable to'. It implies that the alternative is not ideal, but this option is superior. Example: 何もしないより、やった方がましだ (Nani mo shinai yori, yatta hou ga mashi da) - It's better to have done it than to have done nothing.
  • 〜より劣る (yori otoru): This means 'inferior to' or 'worse than'. It's the direct opposite of 'better than'. Example: この製品は前のモデルより劣っています (Kono seihin wa mae no moderu yori ototte imasu) - This product is inferior to the previous model.
  • 〜より他(ほか)に〜ない (yori hoka ni ~ nai): This structure means 'nothing but ~' or 'only ~'. It emphasizes that there are no other options besides the one mentioned. Example: 彼を信じるより他に道はない (Kare o shinjiru yori hoka ni michi wa nai) - There is no other way than to believe him.
  • 〜より先に (yori saki ni): This means 'before ~' or 'ahead of ~'. It indicates precedence in time or order. Example: 友達より先に映画館に着いた (Tomodachi yori saki ni eigakan ni tsuita) - I arrived at the movie theater before my friend.

Mastering these patterns will significantly boost your ability to express comparisons naturally in Japanese!

Grammatically, 〜より is a particle, meaning it attaches to the end of a noun or noun phrase. It functions similarly to a postposition in English (like 'than' in 'better *than* me'). The key is that it marks the *first* element in a comparison. So, if you're comparing A and B, and you want to say A is [adjective] *than* B, you'd write B より A は [adjective].

Pronunciation-wise, 〜より is quite simple. It's pronounced 'yo-ree'. The 'yo' sound is like the 'yo' in 'yolk', and the 'ri' sound is a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English pronunciation of 'butter' or 'ladder'. There's no complex stress pattern; the emphasis is usually fairly even across the two syllables.

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • British English: /jɔːri/
  • American English: /jɔːri/

Rhyming words: While there aren't many perfect rhymes in English for 'yori' due to its specific sound, words ending in '-ory' or '-ory' might offer a near rhyme depending on accent, such as 'story' or 'glory'. However, focusing on the Japanese pronunciation is key.

Common pronunciation errors for learners: Sometimes learners might pronounce the 'r' too strongly, like a rolled 'r' in Spanish, or they might misplace the stress. Aim for a light flap 'r' and even stress.

Fun Fact

The shift from 'relying on' to 'comparing against' is a common linguistic phenomenon where a word's meaning broadens based on its function in sentences.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jɔːri/

Sounds like 'yaw-ree', with the 'r' being a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter' in American English.

US /jɔːri/

Sounds like 'yaw-ree', with the 'r' being a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in 'butter'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly (like a rolled Spanish 'r').
  • Adding unnecessary stress to one syllable.
  • Mispronouncing the 'yo' sound.

Rhymes With

story (near rhyme) glory (near rhyme) victory (near rhyme) territory (near rhyme) category (near rhyme)

Difficulty Rating

Lesen 2/5

Easy to read once the structure is understood.

Writing 2/5

Straightforward to use in basic comparisons.

Speaking 2/5

Commonly used in everyday speech.

Hören 2/5

Easily identifiable in spoken Japanese.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

nouns adjectives verbs は (wa) が (ga)

Learn Next

〜の方が (no hou ga) 一番 (ichiban) 〜に比べて (ni kurabete)

Fortgeschritten

〜を凌ぐ (o shinogu - to surpass) 〜に勝る (ni masaru - to excel) 〜とは比べ物にならない (to wa kurabemono ni naranai - incomparable to)

Grammar to Know

Comparative Adjectives

AよりBの方が大きい (A yori B no hou ga ookii)

Superlative Forms

Aより一番大きい (A yori ichiban ookii)

Using Particles for Comparison

Comparison structures in Japanese

Examples by Level

1

りんごはバナナより大きいです。

Apple is banana than big is.

〜より means 'than'. It comes after the thing you compare from.

2

このペンはあのペンより長いです。

This pen is that pen than long is.

Use 〜より to compare two objects.

3

今日はいえより学校が遠いです。

Today is home than school is far.

〜より marks the starting point of comparison.

4

猫は犬より小さいです。

Cat is dog than small is.

Compare sizes using 〜より.

5

これはあれより新しいです。

This is that than new is.

〜より is used for 'than'.

6

父は母より背が高いです。

Father is mother than height is tall.

Compare heights using 〜より.

7

電車はバスより速いです。

Train is bus than fast is.

Use 〜より for speed comparison.

8

この本はあの本より面白いです。

This book is that book than interesting is.

Compare how interesting things are.

1

私の部屋はあなたの部屋より広いです。

My room is your room than spacious is.

Use 〜より to compare the size of rooms.

2

この映画はあの映画より感動的でした。

This movie was that movie than moving.

Compare emotional impact using 〜より.

3

夏は冬より暑いです。

Summer is winter than hot is.

Compare temperatures with 〜より.

4

彼は友達より早く走りました。

He is friend than fast ran.

Use 〜より to compare speed in actions.

5

このコーヒーはあのコーヒーより美味しいです。

This coffee is that coffee than delicious is.

Expressing preference based on taste.

6

日本語は英語より難しいと思います。

Japanese language is English than difficult think.

Expressing an opinion about language difficulty.

7

飛行機は電車より速く行けます。

Airplane is train than fast can go.

Comparing modes of transport speed.

8

このレストランは他のレストランより人気があります。

This restaurant is other restaurants than popular has.

Comparing popularity using 〜より.

1

東京タワーはスカイツリーより高いですか?

Tokyo Tower is Skytree than tall is?

Asking a direct comparative question.

2

この新しいソフトウェアは、前のバージョンより使いやすいです。

This new software is previous version than easy-to-use is.

Using 〜より with adjectives describing usability.

3

彼は姉より3歳年下です。

He is older sister than 3 years younger.

Comparing ages using 〜より.

4

インターネットで調べる方が、図書館に行くより便利です。

Internet at search 's side is library go than convenient is.

Comparing convenience of actions, often using 〜の方が.

5

この問題は、前回よりさらに複雑になっています。

This problem is previous time than even more complex has become.

Indicating increased complexity compared to the past.

6

彼女の声は、想像していたよりずっと澄んでいました。

Her voice is imagined was than much clearer was.

Using <em>ずっと (zutto)</em> with 〜より for emphasis ('much more').

7

この仕事は、以前の仕事より給料は低いですが、やりがいがあります。

This job is previous job than salary is low but, rewarding is.

Comparing job aspects, often using conjunctions like 'but'.

8

早起きは、夜更かしするより健康に良いと言われています。

Early rising is late-night staying do than healthily good is said to be.

Stating a general belief or common saying.

1

近年、スマートフォンの普及率は、携帯電話のそれを大きく上回っています。

Recent years, smartphone's penetration rate is feature phone's that greatly exceeds.

Using 〜を上回る (o uwamawaru - to exceed) in comparison. 〜より can also be used: <em>携帯電話よりスマートフォンの普及率が高い</em>.

2

彼のスピーチは、期待していたよりも遥かに説得力がありました。

His speech was expected was than far more persuasive.

<em>遥かに (haruka ni)</em> adds emphasis ('far more').

3

この地域では、他の都市より物価が高い傾向にあります。

This region in, other cities than prices high tendency exists.

Using 〜傾向にある (keikou ni aru - tends to be) with comparisons.

4

伝統的な手法は、現代的なアプローチより時間がかかりますが、独特の品質を生み出します。

Traditional methods are modern approach than time takes but, unique quality produces.

Comparing processes and outcomes, often with contrasting conjunctions.

5

その報告書によると、昨年の売上は目標値より約15%下回りました。

That report according to, last year's sales target value than about 15% fell below.

Using 〜を下回る (o shitamawaru - to fall below) in comparison.

6

最新技術の導入は、従来のシステムより効率を大幅に向上させました。

Latest technology's introduction is traditional system than efficiency greatly improved.

<em>大幅に (oohaba ni)</em> emphasizes the degree of improvement.

7

この小説は、デビュー作より作者の個性が強く反映されていると感じました。

This novel is debut work than author's personality strongly reflected is felt.

Comparing artistic expression across works.

8

安全性を考慮すると、この選択肢は他のどの選択肢よりも優れていると言えるでしょう。

Safety considering, this option is other any option than superior can be said.

Using 〜よりも優れている (yori mo sugurete iru - is superior to) for strong claims.

1

彼の芸術的表現は、同時代のどのアーティストよりも先駆的であり、その影響は計り知れない。

His artistic expression is contemporary any artist than more pioneering and its influence is immeasurable.

Using <em>〜よりも先駆的 (yori mo senkuteki)</em> for 'more pioneering than'.

2

経済成長率の鈍化は、当初の予測よりも顕著であり、政策の見直しが急務となっている。

Economic growth rate's slowdown is initial forecast than more noticeable and policy review urgent task has become.

<em>顕著であり (kencho de ari)</em> indicates significance; <em>〜よりも</em> sets the baseline.

3

その発見は、科学界における従来のパラダイムを覆すものであり、既存の理論よりも遥かに包括的な説明を提供する。

That discovery is scientific community within traditional paradigm overturns and existing theories than far more comprehensive explanation provides.

<em>〜よりも遥かに包括的な (yori mo haruka ni houkatsuteki na)</em> - 'far more comprehensive than'.

4

現代社会における情報過多は、個人の意思決定能力に対し、かつてないほどの負荷を強いている。

Modern society within information overload is individual decision-making ability against unprecedented level of burden is imposing.

This sentence uses <em>〜に対し (ni taishi)</em> for contrast, but a comparison with <em>〜より</em> could be: <em>情報過多は、かつてより個人の意思決定能力に大きな負荷をかけている (Jouhou kata wa, katsute yori kojin no ishi kettei nouryoku ni ookina fuka o kakete iru)</em> - 'Information overload is placing a greater burden on individual decision-making ability than in the past.'

5

彼の作品群は、単なる模倣に留まらず、古典的な様式を現代的な感性で昇華させている点で特筆に値する。

His body of work is mere imitation stays not, classical style modern sensibility with sublimates in point noteworthy is.

This highlights uniqueness rather than direct comparison, but one could say: <em>古典的な様式を、現代の作品より独創的に昇華させている (Kotenteki na youshiki o, gendai no sakuhin yori dokusouteki ni shouka sasete iru)</em> - 'He sublimates classical styles more originally than contemporary works.'

6

この技術革新は、既存の市場におけるあらゆる競合他社よりも、我々に圧倒的な優位性をもたらすだろう。

This technological innovation is existing market within all competitors than us overwhelming advantage will bring.

<em>〜よりも圧倒的な優位性 (yori mo attouteki na yuuissei)</em> - 'overwhelming advantage over'.

7

彼女のリーダーシップは、過去のどの指導者よりもチームを結束させ、困難な状況を乗り越える力となった。

Her leadership is past any leader than team unite and difficult situations overcome power became.

<em>〜よりもチームを結束させ (yori mo chiimu o kessoku sase)</em> - 'united the team more than'.

8

その文学作品は、発表当時、既存の文学的規範よりも遥かに大胆なテーマを扱っていたため、論争を巻き起こした。

That literary work is announcement time, existing literary norms than far bolder themes handled because controversy caused.

<em>〜よりも遥かに大胆なテーマ (yori mo haruka ni daitan na teema)</em> - 'far bolder themes than'.

1

彼の哲学は、西洋の思潮よりも東洋の神秘主義に根差しており、既存の学術的枠組みからは逸脱している。

His philosophy is Western thought currents than Eastern mysticism in rooted and existing academic framework from deviates.

<em>〜よりも東洋の神秘主義に根差しており (yori mo touyou no shinpi shugi ni nezashite ori)</em> - 'is rooted more in Eastern mysticism than Western thought currents'.

2

その芸術運動は、当時の社会規範よりも遥かに急進的な表現を模索し、後の世代に多大な影響を与えることになった。

That art movement is current era's social norms than far more radical expression sought and later generations to great influence exert became.

<em>〜よりも遥かに急進的な表現 (yori mo haruka ni kyuushintteki na hyougen)</em> - 'far more radical expressions than'.

3

この史料は、従来の研究成果よりも詳細な情報を含んでおり、当時の政治状況の理解を深化させる上で不可欠である。

This historical material is conventional research findings than detailed information contains and current era's political situation's understanding deepen in indispensable is.

<em>〜よりも詳細な情報 (yori mo shousai na jouhou)</em> - 'more detailed information than'.

4

彼の文学的スタイルは、既存のジャンルの枠組みを超越し、読者の想像力により強く訴えかける点で独自性がある。

His literary style is existing genre's framework transcends and readers' imagination more strongly appeals in point uniqueness exists.

While not a direct <em>〜より</em> comparison, it implies superiority: 'appeals more strongly than existing genres'.

5

その技術は、理論上は可能とされていたレベルよりも遥かに高度な性能を実現した。

That technology is theoretically possible was level than far more advanced performance achieved.

<em>〜よりも遥かに高度な性能 (yori mo haruka ni koudo na seinou)</em> - 'far more advanced performance than'.

6

この文化的現象は、単なる流行を超えて、人々の価値観そのものに、かつてないほど深く浸透している。

This cultural phenomenon is mere trend beyond people's values themselves deeply into unprecedentedly permeated is.

Similar to C1 example 4, implies a comparison: 'permeated more deeply than any mere trend'.

7

その作曲家の初期作品は、後の革新的なスタイルと比較すると、より伝統的な影響を色濃く反映している。

That composer's early works are later innovative styles compared to more traditional influences strongly reflect.

<em>〜と比較すると (to hikaku suru to)</em> is used here, but <em>初期作品は、後のスタイルより伝統的な影響を色濃く反映している (Shoki sakuhin wa, go no sutairu yori dentouteki na eikyou o irokouku han'ei shite iru)</em> is also possible.

8

彼の弁論は、聴衆の予想を遥かに超える洞察力に富み、聴く者すべての認識を揺さぶる力があった。

His oratory was audience's expectations far exceeded insight rich and listeners all's perception shook power had.

<em>〜を遥かに超える (o haruka ni koeru)</em> - 'far exceeded'.

Häufige Kollokationen

〜よりずっと
〜よりましだ
〜より劣る
〜より大きい/小さい
〜より速い/遅い
〜より多い/少ない
〜より好きだ
〜より先に
〜より他(ほか)に〜ない
〜より〜の方が

Idioms & Expressions

"〜より他(ほか)に〜ない"

There is no alternative but to...; Only...

この状況では、協力するより他に道はない。(Kono joukyou de wa, kyouryoku suru yori hoka ni michi wa nai.) - In this situation, there is no other way than to cooperate.

formal/neutral

"〜よりまし"

Better than; preferable to (often implying the alternative isn't great)

待つより歩いた方がましだ。(Matsu yori aruita hou ga mashi da.) - It's better to walk than to wait.

neutral/casual

"〜よりずっと"

Much more than; far more than (emphasizing the degree of difference)

この新しいデザインは、前のものよりずっと洗練されている。(Kono atarashii dezain wa, mae no mono yori zutto senren sarete iru.) - This new design is much more sophisticated than the previous one.

neutral

"〜より劣る"

Inferior to; worse than

彼の成績は兄さんより劣っている。(Kare no seiseki wa niisan yori ototte iru.) - His grades are inferior to his older brother's.

neutral/formal

"〜より先に"

Before; ahead of (in time or order)

皆より先にゴールテープを切った。(Minna yori saki ni gooru teepu o kitta.) - I cut the finish line tape before everyone else.

neutral

"〜より劣らず"

Not inferior to; not worse than; equal to

彼女の才能は兄さんにも劣らず素晴らしい。(Kanojo no sainou wa niisan ni mo otorazu subarashii.) - Her talent is wonderful, not inferior to her older brother's.

neutral/formal

Wortfamilie

Verbs

依る (yoru) To depend on, to rely on, to be based on

Verwandt

〜の方が (no hou ga) Often used with 〜より to emphasize the second item in a comparison.
一番 (ichiban) Used with 〜より to form superlatives (the most...).

How to Use It

Häufige Fehler

Using 〜より after the second item. AよりBが好きです。(A yori B ga suki desu.)
The particle 〜より must follow the item that serves as the basis for comparison (A). Putting it after B would be grammatically incorrect and confusing.
Omitting 〜より when needed for comparison. りんごはバナナより大きいです。(Ringo wa banana yori ookii desu.)
Simply saying 'Ringo wa banana ookii desu' is ambiguous. The particle 〜より is essential to clearly mark the comparison.
Confusing 〜より with 〜で. 電車よりバスの方が便利です。(Densha yori basu no hou ga benri desu.)
〜で indicates a location or means, while 〜より indicates comparison. '電車で' means 'by train', not 'than a train'.
Using 〜より for equality. この二つのリンゴは同じ大きさです。(Kono futatsu no ringo wa onaji ookisa desu.)
〜より is for comparison (greater/lesser/different). For equality, use words like 同じ (onaji - same) or 〜と同じ (to onaji - the same as).
Overusing 〜の方が in formal writing. 最新モデルは旧モデルより機能が多い。(Saishin moderu wa kyuu moderu yori kinou ga ooi.)
While 〜の方が is common and natural in speech, in very formal writing, sometimes just 〜より is preferred for conciseness, though 〜の方が is not strictly incorrect.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Yori' sounding like 'Your' choice is better! (Your-i). It helps you compare.

Visual Association

Imagine two items side-by-side, with an arrow pointing from the first item (marked 'Yori') towards the second, indicating the direction of comparison.

Word Web

Comparison Than Difference Preference Superlative Adjective Verb

Herausforderung

Find five pairs of objects around you and describe which is bigger/smaller/better using 〜より.

Wortherkunft

Classical Japanese

Original meaning: Derived from the verb 依る (yoru), meaning 'to depend on', 'to rely on', 'to be based on'. The sense evolved to 'based on this point of reference' in comparisons.

Kultureller Kontext

No specific cultural sensitivities, but like any comparison, it should be used politely and appropriately.

Comparisons are fundamental in all cultures. The Japanese way using '〜より' is direct and efficient, fitting a culture that often values clarity and conciseness.

Common in everyday conversation, literature, news reports, and advertisements comparing products.

Teste dich selbst

fill blank A1

りんごはバナナ ___ 大きい。

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: より

〜より is used for comparisons, meaning 'than'.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence correctly compares the speed of a car and a bicycle?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 車は自転車より速いです。(Kuruma wa jitensha yori hayai desu.)

〜より means 'than', indicating a comparison. Option 4 is also a comparison but states the opposite.

true false B1

The particle 〜より is used to show equality between two things.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Falsch

〜より is used for comparative differences (greater than, less than), not for equality. For equality, use 〜と同じ (onaji).

match pairs B1

Word

Bedeutung

All matched!

This combines the elements to form 'この本はあの本より面白いです。(Kono hon wa ano hon yori omoshiroi desu.) - This book is more interesting than that book.'

sentence order B2

Tippe auf die Wörter unten, um den Satz zu bilden
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

The correct sentence is 'これはよりずっと新しい。(Kore wa yori zutto atarashii.)' - This is much newer (than something implied). Note: Often '〜の方が' is used, but this structure is also possible for emphasis.

fill blank B2

彼の説明は、私の予想 ___ 遥かに詳細だった。

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: より

〜より is used here with 遥かに (haruka ni - far) to emphasize the degree of comparison: 'far more detailed than my expectations'.

multiple choice C1

Which phrase best translates 'inferior to' in a comparative context?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 〜より劣る (yori otoru)

〜より劣る directly means 'inferior to' or 'worse than'.

sentence completion C2

この史料は、従来の研究成果 ___ 詳細な情報を含んでおり、当時の政治状況の理解を深化させる上で不可欠である。

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: より

The sentence compares the current historical material ('この史料') with previous research findings ('従来の研究成果'). 〜より marks the baseline for comparison, meaning 'more detailed information than previous research findings'.

translation B1

Translate: 'I like cats more than dogs.'

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: 猫は犬より好きです。(Neko wa inu yori suki desu.) OR 犬より猫の方が好きです。(Inu yori neko no hou ga suki desu.)

This uses 〜より to express preference.

usage context B2

In which situation would you most likely use 〜より?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort: Comparing the size of two buildings.

〜より is used for comparisons, such as comparing the sizes of buildings.

Ergebnis: /10

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