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B1 noun 10 min de lecture

~に比べて

ni kurabete

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces ~に比べて en 30 secondes

Explication ~に比べて in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand how to compare two things. While they might primarily use the simple particle 'yori' (than), introducing '~ni kurabete' helps them understand the concept of a 'standard' in Japanese grammar. At this stage, the focus is on very simple, concrete nouns like 'this apple' or 'my car.' A1 learners should recognize that 'ni kurabete' means 'compared to' and that it always follows a noun. They don't need to worry about complex verb nominalization yet. The goal is to be able to say things like 'Compared to Tokyo, my town is small' using basic vocabulary. It is a stepping stone to more natural-sounding descriptions. By learning this early, students begin to see how Japanese uses verbs (like 'kuraberu') to create functional grammar phrases, a very common feature of the language they will encounter more frequently as they progress.

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At the A2 level, students can start using '~ni kurabete' to describe everyday changes and more varied attributes. They are no longer limited to just 'big' or 'small'; they can compare prices, weather, and basic skills. A2 learners should be comfortable with the structure '[Noun] ni kurabete' and should be able to form full sentences that end in common adjectives. They might also begin to see how this phrase is used in weather reports, which are a great source of A2-level listening practice. For example, 'Compared to yesterday, it is cold today.' At this level, students should also be taught to be careful not to forget the 'ni' particle, as this is a common mistake when transitioning from English. They are beginning to build the descriptive power necessary to talk about their lives in a more nuanced way, moving beyond simple isolated facts to showing relationships between those facts.

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The B1 level is the target level for '~ni kurabete.' At this stage, learners are expected to use this phrase naturally in both speaking and writing. They should be able to compare not just nouns, but also actions by using nominalizers like 'no' or 'koto.' For example, 'Compared to living in the city, living in the countryside is quiet.' B1 learners should also understand the difference between '~ni kurabete' and its more formal cousin '~と比較して' (to hikaku shite), choosing the former for general conversation and the latter for more serious writing. They should be able to use adverbs like 'zutto' (by far) or 'kanari' (considerably) to refine their comparisons. This level requires the ability to explain reasons and provide context, and '~ni kurabete' is a primary tool for doing so. It allows the speaker to justify their opinions by providing a clear reference point, which is a key skill for intermediate communication.

At the B2 level, the use of '~ni kurabete' becomes more sophisticated. Learners use it to discuss abstract concepts, social issues, and statistical trends. They can handle sentences where the comparison is not just between two things, but between two complex situations or periods of time. For example, 'Compared to the economic situation ten years ago, the current market is much more volatile.' B2 learners should also be aware of regional or stylistic variations, such as the more colloquial '~に比べたら' (ni kurabetara), which adds a hypothetical nuance ('If you were to compare it to...'). They should be able to use the phrase to structure longer arguments in essays or presentations, using it as a transition to highlight a specific point of contrast. Their understanding of the particle 'ni' vs 'to' in this context should be firm, allowing them to choose the most appropriate nuance for their specific message.

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C1 learners use '~ni kurabete' with precision and stylistic flair. They understand that while it is a common phrase, its placement in a sentence can change the emphasis and rhythm of their speech or writing. They can use it in combination with other advanced grammar to create complex, multi-layered sentences. For instance, they might say, 'Compared to the idealistic visions of the early 20th century, contemporary urban planning is grounded in a more pragmatic, albeit less ambitious, framework.' At this level, the focus is on the subtle nuances—knowing exactly when to use '~に比べて' versus '~に引き換え' (ni hikikae) or '~に対して' (ni taishite) to convey the precise emotional or logical weight intended. They are also able to recognize the phrase in classical or highly literary contexts where the verb 'kurabu' might appear in older forms, showing a deep historical understanding of the language.

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At the C2 level, '~ni kurabete' is used with the effortless mastery of a native speaker. The learner is fully aware of the etymological roots of the phrase and how it fits into the broader system of Japanese relational grammar. They can use it to engage in high-level academic discourse, legal argumentation, or literary analysis. A C2 learner might explore how the concept of 'comparison' in the Japanese language reflects cultural attitudes toward relativity and social standing. They are capable of using the phrase in its most abstract forms, comparing philosophical concepts or aesthetic theories. Furthermore, they can manipulate the phrase—perhaps using the archaic 'ni kurabe' or the highly formal 'to hikaku suru ni'—to match the specific register of any given text. For a C2 learner, this phrase is not just a tool for comparison, but a versatile instrument for fine-tuning the logical and rhetorical flow of their communication.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

~に比べて en 30 secondes

~に比べて (ni kurabete) is an intermediate Japanese grammar point meaning 'compared to,' used to set a noun as a baseline for measuring another subject's qualities.
It is more explicit and slightly more formal than the simple particle 'yori,' focusing on the deliberate act of comparing two specific entities or situations.
The grammar follows the pattern [Noun] + に比べて. To compare actions, you must nominalize the verb using 'no' or 'koto' before adding the phrase.
It is frequently used in news, weather reports, and academic writing to present data-driven contrasts or explain changes over time relative to a previous state.

The grammatical expression ~に比べて (ni kurabete) is a fundamental structure in Japanese used to establish a baseline for comparison. At its core, it functions similarly to the English phrases "compared to," "in comparison with," or "relative to." It allows a speaker to take a specific noun and use it as a standard against which another person, object, or situation is evaluated. This is not just a simple mathematical comparison of 'greater than' or 'less than'—which is often handled by the particle yori—but rather an explicit statement that the speaker is actively weighing two entities against each other. It is an essential tool for providing context, explaining changes over time, or highlighting the unique characteristics of a subject by contrasting it with something familiar.

Standard of Comparison: The noun preceding ni kurabete acts as the anchor or the known quantity. For example, if you say 'Compared to Tokyo,' Tokyo is the baseline the listener already understands.
The Comparison Target: The main subject of the sentence is what is being evaluated against the standard. This is usually the part that contains the new information or the speaker's observation.

In everyday Japanese life, you will encounter this phrase in a multitude of contexts. Meteorologists use it to compare today's temperatures to the average year; economists use it to discuss market shifts relative to previous quarters; and friends use it to discuss everything from the difficulty of video games to the sweetness of seasonal fruits. It bridges the gap between casual observation and formal analysis. Because it originates from the verb kuraberu (to compare), it carries a slightly more analytical nuance than the simple yori. It suggests that the speaker has looked at both sides and reached a conclusion based on that specific juxtaposition.

去年に比べて、今年は雪がとても多いですね。
(Compared to last year, there is a lot of snow this year, isn't there?)

The versatility of ~ni kurabete lies in its ability to handle both physical attributes and abstract concepts. You can compare the height of two buildings, but you can also compare the complexity of two legal systems or the emotional maturity of two individuals. It is a workhorse of the Japanese language that provides the necessary scaffolding for critical thinking and descriptive clarity. As you move from basic Japanese to the intermediate level, mastering this phrase allows you to move beyond simple descriptions and start expressing relationships between ideas, which is a hallmark of the CEFR B1 level.

Using ~に比べて correctly requires understanding its grammatical placement within a Japanese sentence. The basic formula is incredibly consistent: [Noun] + に比べて. Unlike some other grammar points that require complex conjugations, this structure remains stable whether you are speaking formally or informally. However, if you wish to compare an action or a full state (a verb or an adjective clause), you must first nominalize that clause using no or koto before attaching the phrase.

Noun + に比べて: This is the most common usage. Example: 兄に比べて (Compared to my older brother). It sets the brother as the standard.
Verb-Plain + ことに比べて: Used when comparing actions. Example: 自分で作ることに比べて (Compared to making it yourself). This turns the act of making into a noun phrase.

One of the nuances of ~ni kurabete is its relationship with the rest of the sentence. Usually, the sentence ends with an adjective or a verb that describes the difference. Common endings include yasui (easy), muzukashii (difficult), ooi (many), or sukunai (few). It is also frequently paired with adverbs like zutto (by far) or sukoshi (a little) to quantify the degree of difference being discussed.

以前に比べて、日本語が上手に話せるようになりました。
(Compared to before, I have become able to speak Japanese well.)

In more formal or written contexts, you might see the variant ~と比較して (to hikaku shite). While ~に比べて is perfectly acceptable in business meetings and essays, ~と比較して sounds more academic or technical. Conversely, in very casual speech, speakers might drop the te and simply say ~に比べ, or use the more emotive ~に比べたら, which adds a sense of 'if you were to compare them...'

Finally, consider the word order. While [Standard] に比べて [Subject] は... is the standard flow, Japanese flexibility allows you to place the comparison phrase later in the sentence for emphasis: [Subject] は [Standard] に比べて.... Both are correct, but the first version is more common as it establishes the context right at the beginning of the utterance, helping the listener prepare for the comparative information that follows.

If you turn on a Japanese television set, you will likely hear ~に比べて within the first fifteen minutes. It is a staple of news broadcasting. Reporters use it to compare current economic statistics to those of the previous year, or to contrast the results of political polls. For example, a news anchor might say, "Compared to the previous election, the voter turnout has decreased by five percent." This usage highlights the phrase's utility in conveying objective, data-driven information to a wide audience.

Weather Forecasts: Forecasters constantly use 'ni kurabete' to describe temperature changes: "Compared to yesterday, it will be five degrees warmer today."
Product Reviews: On YouTube or in magazines, reviewers use it to contrast the new model of a smartphone with the older version.

In a professional Japanese office environment, ~に比べて is used during presentations and meetings. If a team is discussing a new project's progress, they might say, "Compared to our original schedule, we are slightly behind." It provides a professional way to deliver both good and bad news by grounding the statement in a factual comparison. It avoids sounding too subjective by pointing to a specific reference point.

この新しいパソコンは、前のモデルに比べて、ずっと軽いです。
(This new computer is much lighter compared to the previous model.)

Beyond formal settings, you'll hear it in heart-to-heart conversations. Parents often use it when talking about their children's growth: "Compared to when he was in kindergarten, he's much more independent now." Friends might use it when discussing travel: "Compared to the city, the air in the mountains is so much cleaner." In these contexts, it helps paint a vivid picture of the speaker's experience by using a shared reference point that the listener can easily visualize.

Lastly, in literature and academic writing, ~に比べて serves as a crucial logical connector. It allows authors to build arguments by contrasting different theories, historical periods, or social phenomena. If you are reading a Japanese newspaper editorial, look for this phrase to identify where the author is setting up their primary contrast. It is one of the most reliable signposts for understanding the structure of a complex Japanese text.

While ~に比べて is grammatically straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its nuance or its specific particle requirements. One of the most frequent errors is omitting the particle ni. Because English uses "compared to," learners sometimes think the to is optional or can be replaced by other particles like wa or ga. However, the ni is non-negotiable; it marks the target of the comparison verb kuraberu that is hidden within the phrase.

The Missing 'Ni': Incorrect: 去年比べて (Kyonyen kurabete). Correct: 去年に比べて (Kyonyen ni kurabete). Without the particle, the sentence lacks its grammatical anchor.
Confusing with '~に対して' (ni taishite): Learners often confuse 'compared to' with 'in contrast to' or 'towards.' Use ni taishite when focusing on opposition, and ni kurabete when focusing on relative degree.

Another common mistake involves the nominalization of verbs. If you want to say "Compared to eating at home, eating out is expensive," you cannot simply say Uchi de taberu ni kurabete. You must add no or koto: Uchi de taberu no ni kurabete. Forgetting this step results in a sentence that feels disjointed and unnatural to a native speaker. It is a common hurdle for B1 learners who are just starting to combine complex clauses.

❌ 日本語は英語比べて難しい。
✅ 日本語は英語に比べて難しい。
(Japanese is difficult compared to English.)

There is also the issue of "over-using" the phrase. While ~に比べて is useful, sometimes a simple ~より (than) is more natural, especially in very simple comparisons. For example, "I am taller than him" is usually Watashi wa kare yori se ga takai rather than Kare ni kurabete. Use ni kurabete when you want to emphasize the act of comparison or when the comparison is more complex than just a simple physical measurement.

Finally, be careful with the adjective at the end of the sentence. The adjective must describe the *subject*, not the *standard*. In the sentence "Compared to Tokyo, Osaka is small," the adjective 'small' refers to Osaka. If you accidentally flip the logic, you might end up saying the opposite of what you intended. Always double-check that your concluding adjective aligns with the thing you are actually describing, not the thing you are comparing it against.

In the rich landscape of Japanese grammar, there are several ways to express comparison. Understanding the subtle differences between ~に比べて and its alternatives will help you sound more natural and precise. The most common alternative is the particle ~より. While both can often be translated as "than" or "compared to," ~より is more direct and less formal. It focuses on the result of the comparison, whereas ~に比べて focuses on the process of comparing.

~と比較して (to hikaku shite): This is the formal, academic version of ni kurabete. It is commonly found in scientific papers, news reports, and business documents. It sounds more clinical and objective.
~に対して (ni taishite): While ni kurabete looks at degrees of difference, ni taishite highlights direct opposition or contrast. "A is red, whereas B is blue" would use ni taishite.
~に引き換え (ni hikikae): This is a much more dramatic way to say "in sharp contrast to." It often carries a sense of emotion or judgment, such as "In contrast to his hardworking brother, he is very lazy."

When choosing between these, consider your audience and your intent. If you are chatting with a friend about two movies, ni kurabete or yori are your best bets. If you are writing a university thesis about the population growth of two cities, to hikaku shite will give your writing the necessary gravitas. The phrase ni kurabe (without the 'te') is also common in written Japanese, acting as a slightly more formal mid-sentence conjunction that doesn't feel as heavy as the full hikaku shite.

昨年に比較して、売上が10%増加しました。
(In comparison with last year, sales have increased by 10%.) - Formal/Business

Another interesting alternative is ~わりには (wari ni wa), which means "considering..." or "for a..." While not a direct comparison, it functions similarly by setting a standard. For example, "For a child, he is very smart" (Kodomo no wari ni wa...). This compares the individual to the general standard of their group. In contrast, ni kurabete would be used to compare two specific individuals directly: "Compared to that child, this child is smart."

Mastering these synonyms allows you to tailor your Japanese to different social situations. It demonstrates a high level of linguistic awareness. Whether you are using the humble ni kurabete or the sophisticated to hikaku shite, you are engaging in one of the most important aspects of communication: providing the context that makes your observations meaningful.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji 比 (hi) depicts two people standing side by side, which perfectly illustrates the concept of comparison by alignment.

Guide de prononciation

UK ni kɯ.ɾa.be.te

US ni ku.rɑ.beɪ.teɪ

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'kurabete', the pitch is relatively flat, typically starting low and rising slightly on 'ra'.

Rime avec

Subete (all) Tabete (eat) Narete (get used to) Misete (show) Tomete (stop) Ate (target) Sodate (grow) Kiwamete (extremely)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ni' like the English word 'knee' with too much emphasis.
Using an English 'r' sound for the 'ra' in 'kurabete'.
Adding a heavy stress on one syllable; Japanese syllables should have equal length.
Pronouncing 'te' as 'tay' with a gliding vowel; it should be a pure 'e' sound.
Failing to connect 'ni' to the following 'kurabete' as a single fluid phrase.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the kanji for 'kuraberu'.

Écriture 4/5

Requires remembering the 'ni' particle and proper nominalization for verbs.

Expression orale 4/5

Common in speech, but learners often default to the simpler 'yori'.

Écoute 3/5

Clearly articulated in most formal and semi-formal speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

比べる (kuraberu) より (yori) ほう (hou) 同じ (onaji) 違う (chigau)

Apprends ensuite

〜と比較して (to hikaku shite) 〜に対して (ni taishite) 〜に引き換え (ni hikikae) 〜反面 (hanmen) 〜わりに (wari ni)

Avancé

〜をよそに (o yoso ni) 〜はおろか (wa oroka) 〜にもまして (ni mo mashite)

Grammaire à connaître

Nominalization with 'koto' or 'no'

食べることに比べて (Taberu koto ni kurabete)

The particle 'yori' for simple comparison

これよりあれがいい (Kore yori are ga ii)

The particle 'wa' for contrast

去年は暑かったが、今年はそれに比べて涼しい。

Using 'zutto' for emphasis

以前に比べてずっと良くなった。

Conditional '~ba' with kuraberu

去年に比べれば、まだましだ。

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Exemples par niveau

このかばんは、あれに比べて安いです。

Compared to that one, this bag is cheap.

Simple noun 'are' (that one) + ni kurabete.

お父さんはお母さんに比べて背が高いです。

Compared to my mother, my father is tall.

Comparing two people's physical traits.

バスは電車に比べて遅いです。

Compared to the train, the bus is slow.

Comparing the speed of two modes of transport.

この部屋はあの部屋に比べて明るいです。

Compared to that room, this room is bright.

Comparing the brightness of two spaces.

犬は猫に比べて大きいです。

Compared to cats, dogs are big.

General comparison between two animal species.

今日は昨年に比べて暑いです。

Today is hot compared to last year.

Comparing a time period (last year).

この本はあの本に比べて面白いです。

Compared to that book, this book is interesting.

Subjective comparison of two objects.

私の家はあなたの家に比べて近いです。

Compared to your house, my house is close.

Comparing distance relative to a destination.

東京は大阪に比べて人が多いです。

Compared to Osaka, Tokyo has more people.

Comparing population density/crowds.

冬は夏に比べて夜が長いです。

Compared to summer, nights are longer in winter.

Comparing seasonal changes.

飛行機は新幹線に比べて速いです。

Compared to the Shinkansen, airplanes are faster.

Comparing speeds of high-speed travel.

野菜は肉に比べて体にいいです。

Compared to meat, vegetables are good for your health.

Comparing health benefits.

この店はあの店に比べてサービスがいいです。

Compared to that shop, this shop has better service.

Comparing quality of service.

漢字はひらがなに比べて難しいです。

Compared to hiragana, kanji is difficult.

Comparing difficulty levels of writing systems.

去年に比べて、今年は雨がたくさん降ります。

Compared to last year, it rains a lot this year.

Comparing frequency of natural events.

私の国に比べて、日本は物価が高いです。

Compared to my country, prices in Japan are high.

Comparing cost of living across countries.

都会に住むことは、田舎に住むことに比べて便利です。

Living in the city is convenient compared to living in the countryside.

Using nominalized verbs (sumu koto) with ni kurabete.

以前に比べて、最近は健康に気をつける人が増えました。

Compared to before, the number of people who take care of their health has increased recently.

Comparing a past state (izen) to the present.

この薬は、他の薬に比べて副作用が少ないと言われています。

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

Comparing abstract qualities like 'side effects'.

彼女は他の学生に比べて、非常に熱心に勉強しています。

Compared to other students, she is studying very enthusiastically.

Comparing behavior and attitude.

デパートの品物は、スーパーに比べて質がいいが、値段も高い。

Goods at department stores have better quality compared to supermarkets, but the prices are also higher.

A complex sentence with two points of comparison.

自分の国で働くことに比べて、海外で働くのは大変なことも多い。

Compared to working in one's own country, there are many challenges to working abroad.

Comparing life experiences using nominalization.

昨日の試験は、前回の試験に比べてかなり難しかったです。

Yesterday's exam was considerably harder compared to the previous one.

Using the adverb 'kanari' to emphasize the degree of difference.

この地域の人口は、10年前に比べて半分以下に減ってしまった。

The population of this area has decreased to less than half compared to ten years ago.

Comparing statistical data over time.

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れる。

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

Comparing social trends between different cultures.

期待されていた成果に比べて、実際の数字はあまり良くなかった。

Compared to the expected results, the actual figures were not very good.

Comparing expectation versus reality.

男性の育児休暇取得率は、女性に比べて依然として低いままだ。

The rate of men taking childcare leave remains low compared to women.

Comparing social statistics with a focus on a persisting state.

この新製品は、従来品に比べて消費電力が30%も削減されている。

This new product reduces power consumption by as much as 30% compared to conventional products.

Using specific percentages in a comparison.

都会の喧騒に比べて、この村の静けさはまるで別世界のようだ。

Compared to the hustle and bustle of the city, the silence of this village is like another world.

Using metaphorical language (betsu-sekai) in a comparison.

若者の読書離れは、上の世代に比べて深刻な問題となっている。

The decline in reading among young people has become a serious problem compared to older generations.

Comparing generational behavior patterns.

今回の台風は、過去のどの台風に比べても非常に勢力が強い。

This typhoon is extremely powerful compared to any typhoon in the past.

Using 'dono... ni kurabete mo' for a superlative-like comparison.

インターネットの普及により、昔に比べて情報の入手が格段に早くなった。

With the spread of the internet, obtaining information has become significantly faster compared to the past.

Comparing efficiency across historical eras.

彼の理論は、先行研究に比べて独自性が高く、評価に値する。

His theory is highly original compared to previous research and is worthy of evaluation.

Comparing academic contributions and originality.

都市部における地価の上昇は、地方に比べて異常なまでのスピードで進んでいる。

The rise in land prices in urban areas is progressing at an almost abnormal speed compared to rural areas.

Using 'ijou na made no' to emphasize the rate of change.

現代の若者の価値観は、バブル世代に比べてより多様化していると言えるだろう。

It could be said that the values of today's youth are more diversified compared to the bubble generation.

Nuanced sociological comparison with speculative ending (darou).

この翻訳は、原文のニュアンスに比べて、やや説明的すぎるきらいがある。

This translation has a tendency to be a bit too explanatory compared to the nuances of the original text.

Using 'kirai ga aru' (tendency towards a negative trait) in comparison.

政治的な安定性に比べて、経済的な格差の拡大が国民の不満を招いている。

Compared to political stability, the widening economic disparity is causing public dissatisfaction.

Comparing two abstract social factors and their consequences.

高度経済成長期に比べて、現在の日本社会は成熟期に入ったと捉えるべきだ。

We should perceive that current Japanese society has entered a period of maturity compared to the period of high economic growth.

Comparing historical stages of social development.

Ａ社の製品は機能面では優れているが、デザイン性に比べて操作性に難がある。

Company A's products are superior in terms of functionality, but compared to their design, they have issues with usability.

Internal comparison of two features within a single object.

自然災害の脅威に比べて、我々の備えは未だ不十分であると言わざるを得ない。

I must say that our preparations are still insufficient compared to the threat of natural disasters.

Comparing a threat level to a preparation level.

古典文学の持つ重厚な語彙に比べて、現代語の語彙は簡略化の一途を辿っている。

Compared to the profound vocabulary of classical literature, the vocabulary of modern language is continually becoming simplified.

Comparing linguistic complexity across eras.

個人の自由を尊重する風潮に比べて、共同体への帰属意識は希薄化している。

Compared to the trend of respecting individual freedom, the sense of belonging to a community is weakening.

Comparing psychological/sociological shifts in identity.

宇宙の悠久の歴史に比べれば、人間の営みなど刹那的なものに過ぎない。

If compared to the eternal history of the universe, human activities are nothing more than momentary.

Using the conditional 'ni kurabereba' for philosophical perspective.

情報の洪水とも言える現代において、真実を見極める力はかつてに比べて格段に重要度を増している。

In the present age, which can be called a flood of information, the ability to discern the truth has increased in importance significantly compared to the past.

Comparing the relative importance of a skill across different eras.

法的な拘束力に比べて、倫理的な規範が個人の行動に与える影響は、時としてより甚大である。

Compared to legal binding force, the influence of ethical norms on individual behavior is sometimes even more profound.

Comparing the power of external vs. internal constraints.

芸術作品の持つ永続性に比べて、それを享受する人間の生命はあまりにも儚い。

Compared to the permanence of a work of art, the human life that enjoys it is all too fleeting.

Comparing ontological states (permanence vs. fleetingness).

マクロ経済の指標上の回復に比べて、庶民の生活実感としての景気回復は遅々として進まない。

Compared to the recovery on macroeconomic indicators, the economic recovery as felt in the daily lives of ordinary people is progressing sluggishly.

Comparing statistical indicators with subjective lived experience.

絶対的な真理の探究に比べて、相対的な価値の構築に腐心するのが現代思想の特徴の一つである。

One characteristic of modern thought is the effort put into constructing relative values compared to the quest for absolute truth.

Comparing intellectual priorities in philosophical movements.

Collocations courantes

以前に比べて

去年に比べて

他国に比べて

期待に比べて

例年に比べて

周りに比べて

想像に比べて

前回の試験に比べて

自分に比べて

都会に比べて

Phrases Courantes

〜に比べてどうですか？

— How is it compared to...? Used to ask for a comparative opinion.

前のモデルに比べてどうですか？

〜に比べて一目瞭然だ

— It is obvious compared to... Used when the difference is very clear.

昔の写真に比べて、今の変化は一目瞭然だ。

〜に比べて遜色ない

— Does not suffer by comparison; just as good as. Used for high-quality items.

高級品に比べて、この安物も遜色ない。

〜に比べて恵まれている

— To be blessed compared to... Used to express gratitude or recognize privilege.

他の方に比べて、私は恵まれています。

〜に比べて劣る

— To be inferior compared to... Used in technical or critical evaluations.

機能面では、旧型に比べて劣る点はない。

〜に比べて勝る

— To be superior compared to... The opposite of 'otoru'.

耐久性において、他社製品に比べて勝っている。

〜に比べてマシだ

— It is better than... (often used when both options are somewhat negative).

歩くのは、何もしないに比べてマシだ。

〜に比べて雲泥の差がある

— There is a world of difference compared to... Used for extreme differences.

プロの技は、素人に比べて雲泥の差がある。

〜に比べて桁が違う

— The scale is different compared to... Literally 'the digits are different.'

彼の年収は、私に比べて桁が違う。

〜に比べて見劣りする

— To look poor/shabby compared to... Used for visual or qualitative comparison.

本物に比べて、偽物はどうしても見劣りする。

Souvent confondu avec

~に比べて vs 〜に対して (ni taishite)

Use 'ni taishite' for direct contrast/opposition ('A is this, while B is that'). Use 'ni kurabete' for relative degree ('A is more this than B').

~に比べて vs 〜に加えて (ni kuwaete)

Means 'in addition to'. Learners sometimes mix these up because they both start with 'ni'.

~に比べて vs 〜に従って (ni shitagatte)

Means 'in accordance with' or 'as [something] changes'. It describes a parallel change, not a comparison.

Expressions idiomatiques

"月とすっぽん"

— Like the moon and a soft-shell turtle. Used after a comparison to show two things are vastly different.

あの二人の才能の差は、月とすっぽんだ。

Informal

"雲泥の差"

— A difference as great as that between clouds and mud.

去年のチームに比べて、今年は雲泥の差で強い。

Neutral

"提灯に釣鐘"

— A paper lantern and a temple bell. Used for an unbalanced comparison of two things that look similar but have different weight/value.

彼らの実力を比べるのは、提灯に釣鐘だ。

Literary

"どんぐりの背比べ"

— Acorns comparing their heights. Used when comparing things that are all equally mediocre or small.

どの案も似たり寄ったりで、どんぐりの背比べだ。

Informal

"比べるべくもない"

— There is no point in comparing; they are not even in the same league.

彼の成功は、私の小さな成果とは比べるべくもない。

Formal

"目くそ鼻くそを笑う"

— Eye boogers laughing at snot. Similar to 'the pot calling the kettle black' when comparing two bad things.

彼らの失敗を笑うのは、目くそ鼻くそを笑うようなものだ。

Informal

"鶏口となるも牛後となるなかれ"

— Better to be the beak of a rooster than the rump of a cow. A comparison about leadership in small vs large groups.

大企業に比べて、小さな会社でトップを目指す道を選んだ。

Literary

"掃き溜めに鶴"

— A crane in a rubbish heap. Comparing a beautiful/talented person to a poor environment.

この古い校舎に彼女がいるのは、掃き溜めに鶴のようなものだ。

Neutral

"腐っても鯛"

— Even if it's rotten, it's still a sea bream. Comparing a high-quality item to others even when it's in bad condition.

旧型に比べても、このブランド品は腐っても鯛だ。

Neutral

"隣の芝生は青い"

— The grass is always greener on the other side. A psychological comparison idiom.

自分の生活を他人に比べて、隣の芝生は青いと思ってしまう。

Common

Facile à confondre

~に比べて vs より (yori)

Both translate to 'than' or 'compared to'.

'Yori' is a simple particle used for basic comparisons. 'Ni kurabete' is a more descriptive phrase that emphasizes the act of comparing. 'Ni kurabete' is often preferred when the standard of comparison is complex or when a more formal tone is needed.

彼より背が高い (Taller than him) vs. 彼に比べて背が高い (Taller compared to him).

~に比べて vs ほど (hodo)

Both are used in comparative structures.

'Hodo' is used in negative comparisons to mean 'not as... as' (e.g., A is not as big as B). 'Ni kurabete' is used in positive statements to show a difference.

東京ほど大きくない (Not as big as Tokyo) vs. 東京に比べて小さい (Small compared to Tokyo).

~に比べて vs くらい (kurai)

Used to show similarity or extent.

'Kurai' shows that two things are 'about the same' level. 'Ni kurabete' shows that one is different from the other based on a standard.

彼と同じくらい (About the same as him) vs. 彼に比べて (Compared to him).

~に比べて vs わりに (wari ni)

Both involve a standard.

'Wari ni' means 'considering...' or 'for a...'. It implies a surprise because the result doesn't match the general expectation of a category. 'Ni kurabete' is a direct comparison between two specific things.

子供のわりに (For a child...) vs. あの子に比べて (Compared to that child...).

~に比べて vs と比較して (to hikaku shite)

Identical meaning.

'To hikaku shite' is much more formal and is almost exclusively used in written reports, academic papers, or formal presentations. 'Ni kurabete' is the standard choice for conversation.

前年と比較して (In comparison with the previous year) - Formal.

Structures de phrases

AはBに比べて[Adjective]です。

兄は私に比べて背が高いです。

[Time]に比べて、[Time]は[Change]。

昨日に比べて、今日は寒いです。

[Action]ことは、[Action]ことに比べて[Adjective]。

歩くことは、走ることに比べて疲れません。

以前に比べて、[Subject]は[Verb-te]きた。

以前に比べて、日本語が話せるようになってきた。

[Noun]に比べて、[Noun]は[Specific Data]。

他社に比べて、我が社の製品は10%安いです。

[Abstract Noun]に比べて、[Subject]は[Nuance]。

期待に比べて、映画の内容は平凡だった。

[Complex Phrase]に比べて、[Subject]は[Tendency]。

海外の大学に比べて、日本の大学は入学が難しいと言われる。

[Philosophical Concept]に比べれば、[Subject]は[Metaphor]。

宇宙の長さに比べれば、一生は瞬きのようなものだ。

Famille de mots

Noms

比較 (hikaku) - Comparison

対比 (taihi) - Contrast

比率 (hiritsu) - Ratio

比例 (hirei) - Proportion

Verbes

比べる (kuraberu) - To compare

見比べる (mikuraberu) - To look and compare

食べ比べる (tabekuraberu) - To eat and compare

聞き比べる (kikikuraberu) - To listen and compare

Adjectifs

比較的な (hikakuteki na) - Comparative/Relative

Apparenté

対照 (taishou) - Contrast/Comparison

類推 (ruisui) - Analogy

基準 (kijun) - Standard/Criterion

差異 (sai) - Difference

格差 (kakusa) - Disparity

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Japanese.

Erreurs courantes

去年比べて、寒いです。 → 去年に比べて、寒いです。
The particle 'ni' is missing. The phrase is a fixed structure: [Noun] + に比べて.
食べるに比べて、寝るほうが好きです。 → 食べることに比べて、寝るほうが好きです。
Verbs must be nominalized with 'koto' or 'no' before attaching 'ni kurabete'.
東京は大阪に比べて、人が少ないです。 → 大阪は東京に比べて、人が少ないです。(Or vice-versa depending on intent)
The speaker got the logic backwards. Tokyo has more people than Osaka, so Osaka is small *compared to* Tokyo.
兄に比べて、背が高いです。 → 弟は兄に比べて、背が高いです。
If the subject is missing, it's unclear who is being compared. Always make sure the subject 'wa' or 'ga' is present unless it's very clear from context.
彼に対して、私は背が低いです。 → 彼に比べて、私は背が低いです。
Using 'ni taishite' (contrast) instead of 'ni kurabete' (degree comparison). While sometimes okay, 'ni kurabete' is more natural for physical traits.

Astuces

Don't Forget the 'Ni'

It is the most common mistake for English speakers. Always remember: [Noun] + NI + kurabete. Without the 'ni', the sentence will sound broken to a native ear.

Use it for Context

Use '~に比べて' when you want to explain *why* you think something is a certain way by providing a reference. It makes your opinions more persuasive.

Formal vs Informal

In casual talk with friends, you can use '~に比べたら' (ni kurabetara). It sounds more natural and less like a textbook.

Pair with Adverbs

Words like 'zutto' (by far), 'kanari' (considerably), and 'sukoshi' (a little) work perfectly with '~に比べて' to show the degree of difference.

Listen for 'Izen'

The phrase '以前に比べて' (izen ni kurabete - compared to before) is used constantly. Train your ears to recognize this specific combination.

Start with the Standard

When you want to compare something, try to name the 'standard' first. It helps you organize your thoughts and helps the listener follow your logic.

Nominalization is Key

If you are comparing actions, make sure you use 'koto' or 'no'. Example: 'Running (hashiru no) ni kurabete...'

Identify the Kanji

The kanji 比 (hi) means 'compare'. Even if you forget the reading, seeing this kanji in a sentence is a strong sign that a comparison is being made.

Be Objective

Use this phrase when you want to sound objective. It shifts the focus from your personal feeling to a factual relationship between two things.

Daily Comparison

Every day, try to think of one thing that is different from yesterday. 'Compared to yesterday, I am tired.' It's a great way to build the habit.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine you are holding two items in your hands and moving them toward your 'Knee' (ni) to 'Compare' (kurabe) them. 'Ni-Kurabe-te' helps you compare things on your knee!

Association visuelle

Visualize a balance scale. On the left side is the 'Ni' (the standard you are comparing against). On the right side is the subject you are talking about.

Word Web

Standard Comparison Kuraberu Difference Ni particle Relative Contrast Evaluation

Défi

Try to find three things in your room right now and compare them using '~に比べて'. For example: 'This pen is long compared to that one.'

Origine du mot

The phrase comes from the verb 'kuraberu' (比べる), which has been in the Japanese language since the Nara period. It originally meant to place two things side by side to see how they match or differ.

Sens originel : To line up or place in a row for inspection.

Japonic

Contexte culturel

Be careful when comparing people's abilities or appearances in social settings, as it can sound judgmental. Use it more for facts, data, and objects.

English speakers often use 'than' for everything, but Japanese distinguishes between the simple 'than' (yori) and the more analytical 'compared to' (ni kurabete).

Comparison charts in 'Kakaku.com' (Japan's biggest price comparison site). Weather reports on NHK News. Scientific comparisons in Japanese Nobel Prize research papers.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Weather

昨日に比べて...
例年に比べて...
朝に比べて...
平年に比べて...

Shopping

他店に比べて...
前のモデルに比べて...
値段に比べて...
期待に比べて...

Work/Business

他社に比べて...
計画に比べて...
昨年度に比べて...
予想に比べて...

Self-Improvement

昔の自分に比べて...
以前に比べて...
周りの人に比べて...
練習前に比べて...

Geography/Travel

都会に比べて...
海外に比べて...
他の国に比べて...
地元に比べて...

Amorces de conversation

"日本に来る前に比べて、日本語はどうなりましたか？ (Compared to before you came to Japan, how is your Japanese now?)"

"あなたの国に比べて、日本の物価はどう思いますか？ (Compared to your country, what do you think of Japan's prices?)"

"去年に比べて、今年の夏は暑いと思いますか？ (Compared to last year, do you think this summer is hotter?)"

"都会に住むのと田舎に住むの、どちらがあなたに比べて合っていますか？ (Between living in the city and the country, which suits you better in comparison?)"

"子供の時に比べて、今の生活はどう変わりましたか？ (Compared to when you were a child, how has your life changed now?)"

Sujets d'écriture

以前の自分に比べて、成長したと思う部分を書いてください。 (Write about the parts of yourself that you think have grown compared to your past self.)

今の仕事（または勉強）を、始めたばかりの頃に比べてどう感じますか？ (How do you feel about your current job or studies compared to when you first started?)

最近のテクノロジーは、10年前に比べて私たちの生活をどう変えましたか？ (How has recent technology changed our lives compared to ten years ago?)

あなたの地元の街を、他の有名な都市に比べて紹介してください。 (Introduce your hometown by comparing it to other famous cities.)

理想の生活に比べて、現在の生活はどうですか？改善したい点はありますか？ (Compared to your ideal life, how is your current life? Are there points you want to improve?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, but you must nominalize the verb first. You cannot say 'Taberu ni kurabete'. You must say 'Taberu koto ni kurabete' or 'Taberu no ni kurabete'. This turns the action into a 'thing' that can be compared. For example, 'Compared to eating (taberu koto ni kurabete), drinking is easy.'

Generally, yes. 'より' is a basic particle and is very common in casual speech. '~に比べて' sounds a bit more deliberate and structured. In formal writing, you might even step up to '~と比較して'. However, '~に比べて' is perfectly fine in most polite (desu/masu) conversations.

They are very similar and often interchangeable. However, the particle 'ni' indicates a direction toward the standard, while 'to' suggests a 'with' relationship. '~と比べて' can feel like you are putting two things side-by-side on equal footing to look at them, whereas '~に比べて' feels more like using one as a fixed measuring stick for the other.

Yes. You can start a sentence with '[Noun] ni kurabete,' followed by the rest of your observation. For example: '去年に比べて、今年はとても忙しいです。' (Compared to last year, I am very busy this year.) This is a very common way to provide context immediately.

You say '私に比べて' (watashi ni kurabete). You can use any personal pronoun before the phrase. For example: '私に比べて、彼はとても頭がいい。' (Compared to me, he is very smart.)

Absolutely. It is very common in business to compare sales, performance, or schedules. In very formal written reports, you might use '〜と比較して' or '〜に比し' (ni hishi), but in meetings, '~に比べて' is standard and professional.

Usually, '~に比べて' is used for a one-on-one comparison. If you are comparing many things, you might use '〜の中で' (among...) or '〜が一番' (is the most...). However, you can say '他のものに比べて' (compared to other things) to compare one item against a whole group.

This is the conditional form. It means 'If [we] compare it to...'. It is often used when you want to suggest that although something is bad, it's not as bad as something else. For example: '昨日に比べれば、今日はまだ暖かい。' (If compared to yesterday, today is still [relatively] warm.)

Yes, but like verbs, adjectives must be nominalized. For example: '明るいことに比べて' (Compared to it being bright). However, it is much more common to use it with nouns or nominalized verbs. Comparing 'states' directly with adjectives is less frequent.

Yes, it typically acts as a connector between the standard of comparison and the statement about the subject. It follows the standard and precedes the description of the difference.

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