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B1 particle #2,500 más común 10 min de lectura

～に比べて

ni kurabete
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. You might know simple words like 'big' (ookii) or 'small' (chiisai). While '～に比べて' (ni kurabete) is usually a bit more advanced, you can think of it as a longer way to say 'than'. Imagine you have two apples. One is big, one is small. You can say 'This apple is big compared to that one.' In Japanese, you would put the 'standard' apple first, then add 'ni kurabete'. It helps you start making simple observations about the world around you. Even if you don't use it perfectly yet, recognizing it when people talk about prices (this shop vs. that shop) or weather (today vs. yesterday) is very helpful. Focus on the 'Noun + ni kurabete' pattern first. It's like a special sticker you put on a word to show you are using it as a ruler to measure something else.
At the A2 level, you are building your ability to handle daily tasks and simple conversations. You likely already use '～より' (yori) to say things like 'A is better than B'. '～に比べて' is the next step. It makes your Japanese sound a little more 'grown-up' and descriptive. You can use it to talk about your life changes, like 'Compared to my hometown, Tokyo is busy' (Inaka ni kurabete, Toukyou wa isogashii desu). This level is about expanding your vocabulary to include these compound particles. You should practice using it with time words like 'last week', 'yesterday', or 'before' (izen). It's very common when shopping or talking about your hobbies. Remember: [Thing A] ni kurabete, [Thing B] wa [Adjective] desu. This pattern will serve you well in many situations.
At the B1 level, you are expected to describe experiences, events, and opinions with more detail. '～に比べて' is a key tool for this. It allows you to provide a clear context for your statements. Instead of just saying 'It's hot today,' you can say 'Compared to yesterday, it's hot today,' which provides much more useful information. At this level, you should also start using the variation '～に比べると' (ni kuraberu to) and '～に比べれば' (ni kurabereba). You might also start using it with verbs by adding 'no' (e.g., 'taberu no ni kurabete'). This is the level where you move from simple facts to more nuanced comparisons in work, school, and social life. You should be able to use it to explain why you prefer one thing over another by highlighting specific differences.
At the B2 level, you are becoming a fluent speaker who can handle complex topics. You should use '～に比べて' naturally in both speech and writing. You should understand the subtle difference between this and '～に対して' (contrast) or '～に反して' (contrary to). At this stage, you might use the more formal '～に比べ' (dropping the 'te') in written reports or formal presentations. You are expected to use it to analyze trends, such as comparing social issues or economic data. Your sentences will become more complex, perhaps involving multiple clauses. For example: 'Compared to the previous generation's values, today's youth tend to prioritize work-life balance.' You should also be comfortable using it with abstract nouns like 'expectations' (kitai) or 'average' (heikin).
At the C1 level, your use of '～に比べて' should be precise and varied. You will often use its most formal counterpart, '～に比較して' (ni hikaku shite), in professional and academic contexts. You understand that '～に比べて' can sometimes carry a nuance of subjective judgment, whereas '～に比較して' is more objective and data-driven. You can use these structures to build persuasive arguments, carefully weighing different factors against each other. You will encounter this phrase in high-level literature, editorials, and legal documents. Your ability to switch between 'ni kurabete', 'ni kurabe', and 'ni kurabereba' based on the desired tone and rhythm of your speech or writing is a hallmark of this level. You also recognize when the comparison is implied rather than stated explicitly.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of Japanese. You use '～に比べて' and its variants with absolute precision, often using them to create specific rhetorical effects. You might use '～に比べれば' to dismiss a concern by comparing it to a much larger problem, or use '～に比べ' to create a balanced, rhythmic sentence structure in a formal speech. You are sensitive to the historical roots of the expression and how it fits into the broader landscape of Japanese comparative linguistics. You can effortlessly interpret complex statistical data presented with these phrases and critique the validity of the comparisons being made. At this level, the phrase is not just a grammatical tool, but a stylistic choice that contributes to the overall elegance and clarity of your communication.
Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

～に比べて en 30 segundos

  • Used to compare two or more things, people, or situations directly.
  • Attaches to a noun (the standard) using the particle 'ni'.
  • Means 'compared to' and is more descriptive than the simple 'yori'.
  • Can be used formally as 'ni kurabe' or conditionally as 'ni kurabereba'.

The Japanese particle construction ～に比べて (ni kurabete) is a fundamental grammatical tool used to establish a direct comparison between two or more entities, states, or conditions. Derived from the verb 比べる (kuraberu), which means 'to compare,' this phrase functions as a compound particle that sets a baseline or standard against which another subject is evaluated. In the hierarchy of Japanese comparative structures, it sits between the simple ～より (than) and the more formal ～に比較して (in comparison with). When you use this expression, you are explicitly inviting the listener to look at the differences or similarities between the items mentioned. It is highly versatile, appearing in casual conversation, academic writing, and business reports alike.

Grammatical Function
It serves as a postpositional phrase attached to nouns to indicate the standard of comparison.
Semantic Range
Covers quantitative differences (size, price, speed) and qualitative differences (beauty, ease, feeling).
Syntactic Position
Usually precedes the main clause where the result of the comparison is stated.

去年に比べて、今年は雪が多いですね。
(Kyonen ni kurabete, kotoshi wa yuki ga ooi desu ne.)
Compared to last year, there is a lot of snow this year.

One of the key nuances of ～に比べて is that it often implies a significant degree of difference. While ～より is a neutral 'than,' ～に比べて highlights the act of weighing two things against each other. It provides a more descriptive and analytical tone to the sentence. For instance, saying 'A is better than B' is a simple preference, but 'A is better compared to B' suggests a more considered evaluation of their respective merits. This makes it particularly useful in B1 level communication where learners move beyond simple facts to expressing more complex observations and opinions.

兄に比べて、弟はとても静かだ。
(Ani ni kurabete, otouto wa totemo shizuka da.)
Compared to the older brother, the younger brother is very quiet.

Furthermore, the structure can be expanded to ～に比べれば (if compared to), which adds a conditional nuance, often used when the comparison is hypothetical or when emphasizing that the current situation isn't so bad when looking at a worse alternative. This flexibility allows speakers to adjust the 'weight' of their comparison depending on the social context and the specific point they wish to emphasize. In statistical contexts, it is the go-to phrase for comparing data points across different time periods or demographics.

都会に比べて、田舎は空気がきれいです。
(Tokai ni kurabete, inaka wa kuuki ga kirei desu.)
Compared to the city, the air in the countryside is clean.

Usage with Nouns
Noun + に比べて (The most common form).
Usage with Verbs
Verb (Dictionary form) + のに比べて (Requires nominalization).

以前に比べて、日本語が上手になりましたね。
(Izen ni kurabete, nihongo ga jouzu ni narimashita ne.)
Compared to before, your Japanese has become very good.

このカメラは、前のモデルに比べて操作が簡単だ。
(Kono kamera wa, mae no moderu ni kurabete sousa ga kantan da.)
This camera, compared to the previous model, is easier to operate.

Register
Standard (Polite and Plain). Suitable for JLPT N3/N2 levels.
Synonym Check
Similar to 'compared with' or 'in contrast to' in English.

Using ～に比べて correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical placement and the parts of speech it interacts with. The most common structure is [Noun] + に比べて. This noun acts as the 'yardstick' or the standard of comparison. Following this phrase, you provide the subject of your sentence and the specific quality or state that differs from the standard. It is essential to remember that the particle に is mandatory here, as it indicates the target of the comparison verb 'kuraberu'.

1. Basic Noun Connection

The simplest way to use it is by attaching it directly to a noun. This is used for comparing people, objects, time periods, or places.

  • Example: 日本に比べて、私の国は暑いです。(Compared to Japan, my country is hot.)
  • Structure: [Standard Noun] + に比べて + [Subject] + [Predicate].

2. Nominalizing Verbs and Adjectives

If you want to compare actions or states (verbs or adjectives), you must first turn them into nouns using the nominalizer の or こと. Most commonly, のに比べて is used.

  • Example: 自分で作るのに比べて、外食は高い。(Compared to making it yourself, eating out is expensive.)
  • Structure: [Verb Dictionary Form] + のに比べて...

3. Formal Variations

Depending on the level of formality, you can modify the ending of the phrase:

～に比べ (Ni kurabe)
Used in formal writing, news, or speeches. It is the 'ren'youkei' (continuative form) and sounds more literary.
～に比べれば (Ni kurabereba)
The conditional form. It translates to 'If you compare it to...' and is often used to soften a statement or suggest that a situation is relatively better than a hypothetical alternative.
～に比べると (Ni kuraberu to)
Similar to the conditional, meaning 'When compared to...' It suggests a natural consequence or a clear observation made upon comparison.

4. Sentence Placement

While usually placed at the beginning of a clause, ～に比べて can also be tucked into the middle of a sentence to provide context for a specific attribute. For example: 'This car is, compared to that one, faster.' (この車は、あの車に比べて速い。). This flexibility allows for varying emphasis.

In summary, the key to mastering this phrase is identifying your 'Standard' (the thing after 'ni') and your 'Subject' (the thing you are actually talking about). Practice by taking two similar items—like two smartphones or two seasons—and listing their differences using this structure.

The phrase ～に比べて is ubiquitous in Japanese society, appearing in contexts ranging from the highly analytical to the deeply personal. Because comparison is a core part of human cognition and communication, you will encounter this expression daily if you live in Japan or consume Japanese media. Understanding the context helps in choosing the right variation (te-form vs. dictionary-to form).

1. News and Media Reports

Journalists and news anchors frequently use ～に比べ or ～に比べて when discussing statistics, economic trends, or weather patterns. It provides a clear framework for the audience to understand the significance of new data.

  • Weather: 'Compared to the average year, this year's cherry blossoms bloomed early.' (平年に比べて、今年の桜は早く開花しました。)
  • Economy: 'Compared to the previous quarter, GDP has increased by 1%.' (前期に比べて、GDPは1%増加しました。)

2. Business Presentations and Meetings

In a professional setting, comparing products, sales figures, or strategies is essential. Here, the phrase is used to justify decisions or highlight improvements.

  • Product Launch: 'Compared to our competitors' products, this model is 20% lighter.' (他社製品に比べて、このモデルは20%軽量です。)
  • Performance Review: 'Compared to last month, the number of inquiries has doubled.' (先月に比べて、問い合わせの数が倍増しました。)

3. Daily Conversations and Shopping

When people are making choices—whether it's which restaurant to go to or which shirt to buy—they naturally use comparisons. It's common in casual chats with friends or family.

  • Shopping: 'Compared to that store, this one is much cheaper.' (あの店に比べて、こっちのほうがずっと安いよ。)
  • Personal Growth: 'Compared to when I first arrived in Japan, I can understand much more now.' (日本に来たばかりの時に比べて、今はだいぶ聞き取れるようになりました。)

4. Academic and Scientific Writing

In research papers, ～に比較して (ni hikaku shite) is often preferred for its formal weight, but ～に比べて is still widely used in textbooks and explanatory articles to make complex comparisons accessible to the reader.

By paying attention to these contexts, you'll notice that the phrase acts as a bridge, connecting a known reference point to new information, making the communication more precise and persuasive.

While ～に比べて is a relatively straightforward structure, learners often stumble on specific grammatical nuances or confuse it with similar-sounding expressions. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural and accurate.

1. Forgetting the Particle 'Ni'

The most frequent error is omitting the に (ni) particle. Because the verb is kuraberu, the object being compared to must be marked with ni. You cannot say 'Noun kurabete'.

  • ❌ 去年比べて (Kyonen kurabete)
  • ✅ 去年に比べて (Kyonen ni kurabete)

2. Confusing with '～より' (Yori)

While both are used for comparison, they are not always interchangeable. Yori is a simple particle meaning 'than'. Ni kurabete is more descriptive. A common mistake is using ni kurabete when a simple yori is more appropriate, or vice versa. Specifically, ni kurabete cannot be used in 'A is more X than B' structures where B is not a noun or nominalized phrase.

3. Incorrect Nominalization

When comparing actions, learners often forget to add の (no) before ni kurabete. You cannot attach the phrase directly to a verb in its dictionary form.

  • ❌ 食べるに比べて (Taberu ni kurabete)
  • ✅ 食べるのに比べて (Taberu no ni kurabete)

4. Overusing in Casual Speech

While correct, using ～に比べて in very casual settings can sometimes sound a bit stiff or overly analytical. In a relaxed conversation with close friends, ～より or ～のほうが is often preferred. Using ni kurabete might make you sound like you are giving a formal report on your lunch.

5. Confusion with '～に対して' (Ni taishite)

As mentioned before, ni taishite means 'towards' or 'in contrast to'. Learners often use ni kurabete when they actually mean to contrast two opposing facts. For example, 'Men like sports, whereas women like shopping' should use ni taishite, not ni kurabete, because you aren't comparing a shared quality (like who likes it 'more'), but rather contrasting different preferences.

By being mindful of these five areas, you will significantly improve your accuracy and fluency when making comparisons in Japanese.

Japanese has several ways to express comparison and contrast. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality, the specific nuance you want to convey, and the grammatical structure of the sentence. Here is a breakdown of words similar to ～に比べて.

1. ～より (Yori)
The most basic way to say 'than'. It is shorter and more versatile than ni kurabete. Use it for simple comparisons of degree.
Example: 彼は私より背が高い。(He is taller than me.)
2. ～に比較して (Ni hikaku shite)
This is the formal, academic version of ni kurabete. It uses the Sino-Japanese word hikaku (comparison). You will see this in technical manuals, scientific papers, and formal business reports.
Example: 前年度に比較して、収益が改善した。(Compared to the previous fiscal year, profits have improved.)
3. ～に対して (Ni taishite)
While often confused with ni kurabete, this phrase focuses on contrast or opposition. It translates to 'whereas' or 'in contrast to'. Use it when comparing two different subjects with different attributes.
Example: 兄が外交的なのに対して、弟は内向的だ。(While the older brother is extroverted, the younger brother is introverted.)
4. ～に引き換え (Ni hikikae)
A more literary and emotive way to show contrast, often implying a strong difference in quality or a sense of 'on the other hand'. It is much more formal and less common in daily speech.
Example: 昨日の快晴に引き換え、今日はひどい雨だ。(In contrast to yesterday's clear skies, today is terrible rain.)
5. ～のほうが (No hou ga)
Used to indicate which of two options is 'more' something. It is often used in conjunction with yori or ni kurabete to complete the comparison.
Example: 都会より田舎のほうが好きだ。(I like the countryside more than the city.)

Understanding these distinctions allows you to paint a more precise picture in your Japanese communication. For B1 learners, mastering the shift from yori to ni kurabete is a significant step toward sounding more sophisticated and articulate.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Ejemplos por nivel

1

これに比べて、あれは大きいです。

Compared to this, that one is big.

Basic Noun + ni kurabete.

2

昨日に比べて、今日は暑いです。

Compared to yesterday, today is hot.

Comparing time points.

3

バスに比べて、電車は速いです。

Compared to the bus, the train is fast.

Comparing modes of transport.

4

犬に比べて、猫は小さいです。

Compared to dogs, cats are small.

Comparing animals.

5

青いペンに比べて、赤いペンは短いです。

Compared to the blue pen, the red pen is short.

Comparing objects.

6

お父さんに比べて、お母さんは背が低いです。

Compared to my father, my mother is short.

Comparing people's height.

7

冬に比べて、夏は明るいです。

Compared to winter, summer is bright.

Comparing seasons.

8

この本に比べて、その本は安いです。

Compared to this book, that book is cheap.

Comparing prices.

1

私の国に比べて、日本は静かです。

Compared to my country, Japan is quiet.

Using 'ni kurabete' to describe environment.

2

以前に比べて、日本語が上手になりました。

Compared to before, my Japanese has improved.

Comparing past and present states.

3

ひらがなに比べて、漢字は難しいです。

Compared to hiragana, kanji is difficult.

Comparing learning subjects.

4

あの店に比べて、この店はサービスがいいです。

Compared to that shop, this shop has better service.

Comparing quality of service.

5

都会に比べて、田舎は不便です。

Compared to the city, the countryside is inconvenient.

Comparing lifestyle factors.

6

先週に比べて、今週は忙しいです。

Compared to last week, this week is busy.

Comparing time periods.

7

テレビに比べて、YouTubeは面白いです。

Compared to TV, YouTube is interesting.

Comparing media platforms.

8

肉に比べて、魚のほうが体にいいです。

Compared to meat, fish is better for your body.

Using 'ni kurabete' with 'no hou ga'.

1

去年に比べて、今年の冬はかなり寒くなりそうだ。

Compared to last year, it seems this winter will be quite cold.

Using 'ni kurabete' with a prediction (~sou da).

2

自分で料理するのに比べて、外食はお金がかかる。

Compared to cooking for yourself, eating out costs more money.

Nominalizing a verb with 'no ni kurabete'.

3

他の学生に比べて、彼はいつも熱心に勉強している。

Compared to other students, he is always studying diligently.

Comparing an individual to a group.

4

期待していたのに比べて、映画の内容はあまり良くなかった。

Compared to what I expected, the movie's content wasn't very good.

Comparing reality to expectations.

5

以前のモデルに比べて、このスマホは電池が長く持つ。

Compared to the previous model, this smartphone's battery lasts longer.

Comparing product specifications.

6

都会の生活に比べれば、田舎の生活はのんびりしている。

If compared to city life, countryside life is relaxed.

Using the conditional form 'ni kurabereba'.

7

オンライン授業は、対面授業に比べて質問がしにくい。

Online classes, compared to face-to-face classes, are harder to ask questions in.

Comparing educational methods.

8

この薬は、他の薬に比べて副作用が少ないと言われている。

This medicine is said to have fewer side effects compared to other medicines.

Using 'ni kurabete' with hearsay (~to iwarete iru).

1

欧米諸国に比べて、日本はキャッシュレス化が遅れていると言わざるを得ない。

Compared to Western countries, it must be said that Japan is lagging in going cashless.

Formal social commentary.

2

前回の調査結果に比べ、今回の数値は大幅に改善している。

Compared to the previous survey results, the current figures have improved significantly.

Formal 'ni kurabe' used in reporting.

3

彼は実年齢に比べて、非常に若々しく見える。

He looks very youthful compared to his actual age.

Comparing appearance to a factual standard.

4

マスメディアの報道に比べると、SNSの情報は拡散のスピードが圧倒的に速い。

When compared to mass media reporting, information on SNS spreads overwhelmingly faster.

Using 'ni kuraberu to' for logical comparison.

5

昨今の物価高に比べれば、数年前の生活はずいぶん楽だったように感じる。

If compared to the recent high prices, life a few years ago feels like it was much easier.

Reflective comparison using 'ni kurabereba'.

6

この新素材は、従来のプラスチックに比べて環境負荷が低い。

This new material has a lower environmental impact compared to conventional plastics.

Technical/Scientific comparison.

7

大企業に比べて、中小企業は社会情勢の変化による影響を受けやすい。

Compared to large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises are more susceptible to changes in social conditions.

Economic/Business comparison.

8

言葉で説明するのに比べて、図解するほうが相手に伝わりやすい場合が多い。

Compared to explaining with words, illustrating is often easier to convey to the other party.

Comparing communication methods.

1

諸外国の事例に比較して、我が国の少子高齢化のスピードは極めて速い。

Compared to cases in other countries, the speed of our nation's declining birthrate and aging population is extremely fast.

Highly formal 'ni hikaku shite'.

2

古典文学の難解さに比べれば、現代小説を読むことは造作もないことだ。

If compared to the complexity of classical literature, reading modern novels is a trivial matter.

Sophisticated literary comparison.

3

抽象的な議論に終始するのに比べて、具体的な解決策を提示することのほうが遥かに困難である。

Compared to merely engaging in abstract discussion, presenting concrete solutions is far more difficult.

Abstract conceptual comparison.

4

かつての好景気の時代に比べ、現代の若者は将来に対して保守的な傾向にある。

Compared to the former era of economic prosperity, today's youth tend to be more conservative regarding the future.

Sociological analysis.

5

翻訳ソフトの精度は向上したが、人間の翻訳者に比べれば、文脈の理解においてまだ及ばない点が多い。

Although the accuracy of translation software has improved, it still falls short in understanding context compared to human translators.

Critical technological comparison.

6

都市開発が進む一方で、かつての情緒ある街並みに比べて、どこか無機質な印象を受ける。

While urban development progresses, it gives a somewhat inorganic impression compared to the atmospheric streets of the past.

Aesthetic/Qualitative comparison.

7

遺伝子組み換え食品は、従来種に比べて収穫量が多い反面、生態系への影響が懸念されている。

While genetically modified foods have higher yields compared to conventional species, there are concerns about their impact on the ecosystem.

Scientific/Ethical comparison.

8

彼の執筆スタイルは、処女作に比べて格段に洗練されており、作家としての成長が伺える。

His writing style is significantly more refined compared to his debut work, showing his growth as a writer.

Artistic critique.

1

宇宙の悠久なる時間に比べれば、人間の寿命など瞬きの一瞬に過ぎない。

Compared to the eternal time of the universe, a human lifespan is nothing more than the blink of an eye.

Philosophical/Existential comparison.

2

本研究の成果は、先行研究に比較して、より多角的な視点から現象を捉えている点に独創性がある。

The results of this study are original in that they capture the phenomenon from a more multifaceted perspective compared to previous research.

Academic thesis statement.

3

独裁政権下の抑圧に比べれば、民主主義社会における不自由など贅沢な悩みと言えるかもしれない。

Compared to the oppression under a dictatorship, the inconveniences in a democratic society might be called luxury problems.

Political/Philosophical contrast.

4

脳の複雑なニューラルネットワークに比べれば、現在の最先端AIでさえ、まだ初期段階の模倣に留まっている。

Compared to the complex neural networks of the brain, even today's cutting-edge AI remains at an early stage of imitation.

High-level scientific comparison.

5

絶対的な真理に比べれば、我々が事実と呼んでいるものは、多分に主観的な解釈の産物である。

Compared to absolute truth, what we call facts are largely products of subjective interpretation.

Epistemological comparison.

6

自然界の調和の取れた循環に比べ、人類の経済活動はあまりに一方的で破壊的である。

Compared to the harmonious cycles of the natural world, human economic activities are far too one-sided and destructive.

Environmental/Ethical critique.

7

言語という不完全な伝達手段に比べれば、音楽はより直接的に魂に訴えかける力を持っている。

Compared to the imperfect means of communication that is language, music has the power to appeal more directly to the soul.

Aesthetic/Metaphysical comparison.

8

歴史の大きな潮流に比べれば、個人の野心や葛藤など、大海の一滴に過ぎないのかもしれない。

Compared to the great tides of history, individual ambitions and conflicts may be nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

Historical/Philosophical reflection.

Colocaciones comunes

例年に比べて (reinen ni kurabete - compared to average years)
以前に比べて (izen ni kurabete - compared to before)
他社に比べて (tasha ni kurabete - compared to other companies)
期待に比べて (kitai ni kurabete - compared to expectations)
想像に比べて (souzou ni kurabete - compared to imagination)
去年に比べて (kyonen ni kurabete - compared to last year)
都会に比べて (tokai ni kurabete - compared to the city)
自分に比べて (jibun ni kurabete - compared to oneself)
平均に比べて (heikin ni kurabete - compared to the average)
従来に比べて (juurai ni kurabete - compared to conventionally)

Frases Comunes

～に比べてずっと (much more compared to...)

～に比べてはるかに (far more compared to...)

～に比べて少し (a little compared to...)

～に比べてそれほど (not so much compared to...)

～に比べてどうですか？ (How is it compared to...?)

～に比べて遜色ない (not inferior compared to...)

～に比べて有利だ (advantageous compared to...)

～に比べて不利だ (disadvantageous compared to...)

～に比べて明らかに (clearly compared to...)

～に比べて意外と (surprisingly compared to...)

Se confunde a menudo con

～に比べて vs ～に対して (Contrast vs. Comparison)

～に比べて vs ～より (Simple than vs. Descriptive compared to)

～に比べて vs ～に沿って (Along with vs. Compared to)

Modismos y expresiones

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Fácil de confundir

～に比べて vs 比較

～に比べて vs 対照

～に比べて vs 比例

～に比べて vs 類推

～に比べて vs 勘案

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

nuance

Implies an analytical weighing of two things.

formality

Neutral to formal.

common error

Using it to compare things that aren't similar in category.

Errores comunes

Consejos

The 'Ni' Rule

Always ensure there is a 'ni' before 'kurabete'. It marks the object of comparison.

Natural Flow

Use 'ni kurabete' when you want to give a reason or context for your opinion.

Formal Writing

In reports, try using 'ni kurabe' or 'ni hikaku shite' for a more professional tone.

Key Markers

Listen for the noun right before 'ni'—that is the baseline for everything that follows.

Pairing

Learn it with 'izen' (before) to talk about how things have changed over time.

Descriptive Power

Use it instead of 'yori' when you want to sound more precise about the comparison.

JLPT Tip

N3 questions often test whether you know to use 'ni' instead of 'wo' or 'ga' with this phrase.

Social Context

Be careful when comparing people directly in social situations to avoid causing 'meiwaku' (trouble).

Comparison Logic

Make sure the two things you are comparing are in the same category (e.g., two cars, two cities).

Conditional Use

Use 'ni kurabereba' to express 'at least it's better than...' scenarios.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

From the verb 比べる (kuraberu), which dates back to Old Japanese. The kanji 比 depicts two people standing side-by-side, symbolizing the act of comparing or matching.

Contexto cultural

In group settings, comparisons are often made to the 'average' to maintain social harmony (wa).

Often used to downplay one's own achievements by comparing them to a higher standard.

Using 'ni kurabete' is generally polite and safe for all situations.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"お国に比べて、日本はどうですか？ (Compared to your country, how is Japan?)"

"子供の時に比べて、今は何が一番変わりましたか？ (Compared to when you were a child, what has changed the most now?)"

"去年に比べて、最近はどうですか？ (Compared to last year, how are things lately?)"

"オンラインと対面、どちらが自分に比べて合っていますか？ (Online or face-to-face, which one suits you better compared to the other?)"

"前の仕事に比べて、今の仕事はどうですか？ (Compared to your previous job, how is your current one?)"

Temas para diario

Write about how your Japanese skills have changed compared to three months ago.

Compare your current city to your hometown.

Discuss the pros and cons of working from home compared to working in an office.

Compare two books or movies you recently enjoyed.

Reflect on how your lifestyle has changed compared to before the pandemic.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, but you must nominalize them first using 'no'. For example, 'Atsui no ni kurabete' (Compared to it being hot).

Yes, it sounds more descriptive and analytical, making it slightly more formal than the simple 'yori'.

'Ni kurabe' is the continuative form and is used in formal writing or news, whereas 'ni kurabete' is standard for both speech and writing.

Usually, it's used for two things, but you can compare one thing against a group (e.g., 'Compared to other countries...').

Not always, but 'wa' is very common because the subject of the comparison is usually the topic of the sentence.

Yes, that is the verb form: 'To compare A and B'. 'Ni kurabete' is the particle form.

Yes, especially when you want to say 'If you compare it to...', often to show that a current situation is better than it seems.

Yes, 'Tanaka-san ni kurabete...' is perfectly fine.

There isn't a single word, but 'to douyou ni' (similarly) is often used to show things are the same.

Yes, it is a core grammar point for the N3 level.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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