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〜に比べて

B1 phrase #3,000 most common 12 min read

〜に比べて

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 〜に比べて in 30 Seconds

Explanation 〜に比べて in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn how to describe things in Japanese. While '〜に比べて' (ni kurabete) might seem a bit advanced, its basic meaning of 'compared to' is very useful. Think of it as a way to say 'This is like that, but different.' At this stage, you should focus on using it with very simple nouns like 'yesterday,' 'today,' 'this,' or 'that.' For example, 'Yesterday compared to today' or 'My house compared to your house.' You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember the pattern: [Noun] + ni kurabete. In A1, you might use it to talk about the weather or simple prices. Even if you can't form a long sentence, just saying 'Kinō ni kurabete...' (Compared to yesterday...) and then making a face or saying 'atsui' (hot) is a great start! It helps you move beyond just saying 'It is hot' to saying 'It is hotter than it was before.' This is the first step toward expressing relative values rather than just absolute ones.

At the A2 level, you can start building full sentences using '〜に比べて'. You are now able to connect a noun to an adjective or a simple verb. For example, you can say 'This car is small compared to that car' (Kono kuruma wa, ano kuruma ni kurabete chiisai desu). You will find this very helpful when traveling in Japan—comparing hotels, train speeds, or the taste of different foods. You should also start noticing how it differs from the simpler 'yori' (than). While 'yori' is great for 'A is better than B,' 'ni kurabete' feels a bit more descriptive. It's like you are looking at both things on a table and pointing out the difference. You might also start to see the te-form (kurabete) as part of a sequence of thoughts. A2 learners should practice using it with time words like 'sengetsu' (last month) or 'kyonen' (last year) to describe changes in their lives or the environment around them.

At the B1 level, '〜に比べて' becomes a core part of your vocabulary. This is the level where you are expected to understand and use it naturally in both speaking and writing. You should be comfortable using its variants, like '〜に比べ' in slightly more formal writing or '〜に比べれば' when you want to add a conditional 'if' nuance (e.g., 'If compared to my country, Japan is quiet'). You can now also nominalize verbs to compare actions. For example, 'Compared to living alone, living with a family is lively' (Hitori de sumu no ni kurabete, kazoku to sumu no wa nigiyaka da). You will encounter this phrase frequently in intermediate textbooks and news articles. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'ni taishite' (towards/against) or 'ni kuwaete' (in addition to). Your goal is to use 'ni kurabete' to provide context for your opinions, making your Japanese sound more logical and well-reasoned.

At the B2 level, you should use '〜に比べて' with precision and stylistic awareness. You understand that while 'ni kurabete' is neutral, using '〜と比較して' (to hikaku shite) is often better for formal presentations or academic papers. You can handle complex sentences where multiple comparisons are made, and you can use the phrase to discuss abstract concepts like social trends, economic shifts, or psychological states. For example, you might discuss how 'Modern society, compared to the past, values individual freedom more highly.' You are also sensitive to the nuance of 'ni kurabereba,' using it to provide a balanced view or a modest assessment. At this level, you should be able to listen to a fast-paced news report about the economy and instantly grasp the comparative data being presented using this phrase. You are no longer just comparing 'apples and oranges'; you are comparing 'societal structures' and 'economic indicators.'

At the C1 level, '〜に比べて' is a tool you use with high levels of nuance and rhetorical flair. You can use it to set up sophisticated arguments or to contrast literary themes. You are fully aware of its more literary counterparts like '〜に引き換え' (in contrast to) and can choose between them based on the emotional weight you want to convey. Your usage of 'ni kurabete' is effortless, and you can integrate it into long, complex sentences without losing the grammatical thread. You might use it in a debate to quickly establish a baseline for your counter-argument: 'Compared to the proponent's view that technology simplifies life, I would argue that it adds layers of complexity.' You also understand the historical and kanji-based roots of the phrase, allowing you to appreciate its use in classical-style modern prose. At this stage, your focus is on the perfect integration of the phrase into a high-level discourse that sounds indistinguishable from a native speaker.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over '〜に比べて' and its entire family of comparative expressions. You can use it in highly specialized professional contexts, such as legal writing, advanced scientific research, or literary criticism. You understand its role in the broader structure of Japanese rhetoric and can use it to manipulate the pace and focus of your communication. You might use it to make subtle, ironic comparisons or to weave complex narratives where the standard of comparison shifts throughout the text. You are also capable of critiquing the use of the phrase in others' writing, identifying when a comparison is logically flawed or stylistically inappropriate. For a C2 learner, 'ni kurabete' is not just a grammar rule; it is a versatile brush in your linguistic toolkit, used to paint precise and nuanced pictures of the world's complexities. You can navigate the most formal 'hikaku shite' and the most casual 'kurabereba' with equal ease and perfect timing.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

〜に比べて in 30 Seconds

Used to compare two nouns or nominalized actions.
Means 'compared to' or 'in comparison with'.
Essential for JLPT N3/CEFR B1 level Japanese.
More descriptive and formal than the simple 'yori'.

The grammatical construction 〜に比べて (ni kurabete) is a fundamental comparative phrase in Japanese, roughly equivalent to the English expressions "compared to," "in comparison with," or "relative to." It is derived from the transitive verb 比べる (kuraberu), which means "to compare" or "to contrast." In the hierarchy of Japanese grammar, this phrase sits comfortably at the JLPT N3 level (CEFR B1), acting as a bridge between basic comparative structures like 〜より and more advanced, formal expressions like 〜と比較して. The beauty of this phrase lies in its versatility; it can be used in casual daily conversations, professional business reports, and academic writing to establish a baseline against which another subject is measured. When you use 〜に比べて, you are explicitly pointing to one noun as the standard of comparison, allowing the listener to understand the magnitude, quality, or characteristics of the main subject more clearly.

Grammatical Core: The structure is deceptively simple: [Noun] + に比べて. The particle ni indicates the target of the comparison, while kurabete is the te-form of the verb, indicating a continuing state or a means of action. This allows the speaker to set the stage before delivering the main observation about the subject.
Situational Nuance: Unlike the simple yori (than), which often feels like a direct mathematical inequality (A > B), ni kurabete invites the listener to look at both items side-by-side. It is frequently used when discussing trends, weather, prices, or personality traits where a direct "greater than" isn't as descriptive as a relational comparison.

去年に比べて、今年の夏はとても暑いですね。
(Kyonen ni kurabete, kotoshi no natsu wa totemo atsui desu ne.)
Compared to last year, this summer is very hot, isn't it?

In Japanese society, where harmony and context are paramount, using 〜に比べて provides a soft way to introduce an opinion by grounding it in a factual comparison. It avoids the bluntness of a standalone statement. For instance, saying "This city is expensive" is a subjective claim; saying "Compared to my hometown, this city is expensive" provides a logical justification for the sentiment. This is why you will hear it constantly in news broadcasts comparing economic quarters, or in sports commentary comparing a player's performance to their previous season. The phrase also has several variations such as 〜に比べ (more formal/literary) and 〜に比べれば (adding a conditional 'if' nuance), which we will explore in subsequent sections. Understanding these nuances is key to moving from a beginner who simply states facts to an intermediate speaker who can describe relationships between concepts.

東京に比べて、大阪の人は賑やかだと言われている。
(Tōkyō ni kurabete, Ōsaka no hito wa nigiyaka da to iwarete iru.)
It is said that people in Osaka are more lively compared to those in Tokyo.

Comparison of Scale: When comparing sizes, populations, or quantities, ni kurabete is the gold standard. It allows for a clear juxtaposition of data points, which is why it is ubiquitous in business presentations and scientific reporting.

以前に比べて、日本の若者はあまりお酒を飲まなくなった。
(Izen ni kurabete, Nihon no wakamono wa amari osake o nomanakunatta.)
Compared to before, Japanese youth have stopped drinking as much alcohol.

Mastering the usage of 〜に比べて requires understanding its grammatical placement and its various morphological forms. At its core, the phrase functions as a post-positional adverbial phrase. It always follows a noun or a nominalized phrase. If you want to compare an action, you must first turn that action into a noun using no or koto. For example, to say "Compared to eating out," you would say gaishoku suru no ni kurabete. This flexibility makes it a powerful tool for complex sentence construction.

Basic Noun Connection: The most common pattern is [Noun A] は [Noun B] に比べて [Adjective/Verb]. This translates to "As for A, compared to B, it is [Adjective/Verb]." For example: Kono pasokon wa mae no ni kurabete karui (This laptop is light compared to the previous one).
Formal Variation: 〜に比べ: In written reports, news scripts, or formal speeches, the te is often dropped, resulting in 〜に比べ. This is the conjunctive form (ren'yōkei) and it sounds more objective and literary. It is frequently used in the middle of long sentences to provide a clean break while maintaining a high register.

都会の生活は、田舎に比べてストレスが多い。
(Tokai no seikatsu wa, inaka ni kurabete sutoresu ga ooi.)
City life has more stress compared to the countryside.

Another important variation is 〜に比べれば (ni kurabereba). By using the conditional form of the verb kuraberu, the speaker implies a hypothetical or observational condition: "If you compare it to..." This is often used when the speaker is trying to be modest or when they are pointing out a silver lining. For example, Kinō ni kurabereba, kyō wa mada mashi da (If compared to yesterday, today is still better/bearable). This adds a layer of subjective evaluation that the standard ni kurabete lacks.

昨日の試験に比べれば、今日のは簡単だった。
(Kinō no shiken ni kurabereba, kyō no wa kantan datta.)
Compared to yesterday's exam (if you compare them), today's was easy.

Finally, you might encounter 〜に比べると (ni kuraberu to). This uses the natural consequence particle to. It implies that "whenever you compare these two, you inevitably find this result." It is very common when talking about facts of nature, statistics, or general truths. For example, Fuyu ni kuraberu to, natsu wa hi ga nagai (Compared to winter, the days are longer in summer). The choice between te, reba, and to depends on whether you are describing a simple state, a conditional judgment, or an inevitable fact.

Nominalization Pattern: When comparing actions: [Verb Dictionary Form] + の + に比べて. Example: Aruku no ni kurabete, hashiru no wa tsukareru (Compared to walking, running is tiring).

兄に比べて、弟は勉強が嫌いだ。
(Ani ni kurabete, otōto wa benkyō ga kirai da.)
Compared to his older brother, the younger brother hates studying.

The phrase 〜に比べて is omnipresent in Japanese life, but it shines most brightly in contexts where data, evaluation, or change over time is being discussed. If you turn on a Japanese news program, you are almost guaranteed to hear it within the first ten minutes. News anchors use it to compare current stock prices to yesterday's close, this month's rainfall to the yearly average, or the popularity of political candidates. In these settings, the more formal variant 〜に比べ is often preferred to maintain an air of journalistic objectivity.

In the Corporate World: During business meetings (kaigi) or presentations (purezen), this phrase is a staple. Managers use it to highlight growth: "Compared to the first quarter, our sales have increased by 20%." It is also used in competitive analysis: "Compared to Company A's product, our product is more energy-efficient." In this context, it serves as a logical connector that justifies business decisions.
Daily Social Interactions: In casual settings, friends use it to discuss their lives. You might hear someone say, "Compared to my last job, this one is much more relaxed," or "Compared to the restaurant we went to last week, this one is cheaper but tastier." It's a way to share experiences by relating them to shared memories or known standards.

先週に比べて、野菜の値段が少し安くなりましたね。
(Senshū ni kurabete, yasai no nedan ga sukoshi yasuku narimashita ne.)
Compared to last week, the price of vegetables has become a little cheaper, hasn't it?

In the world of Japanese media, specifically variety shows and documentaries, 〜に比べて is used to emphasize dramatic differences. For instance, a travel show might compare the size of a giant crab to a human hand, or a documentary might compare the lifespan of people in different prefectures. It helps create a narrative of "change" or "extraordinariness." Even in anime, you'll hear characters using it to measure their growth: "Compared to when I first started training, I'm much stronger now!" (Saisho ni kurabete, zutto tsuyoku natta!). It is truly a phrase that bridges the gap between cold statistics and emotional storytelling.

他の国に比べて、日本は治安が良いと言われている。
(Hoka no kuni ni kurabete, Nihon wa chian ga yoi to iwarete iru.)
Compared to other countries, Japan is said to have good public safety.

Furthermore, in academic settings, 〜に比べて is used to discuss experimental results. A researcher might state that "Compared to the control group, the treated group showed significant improvement." In this way, the phrase is vital for anyone looking to navigate the worlds of higher education or professional research in Japan. It is the linguistic tool that enables the categorization and evaluation of the world around us.

While 〜に比べて is a relatively straightforward grammar point, English speakers and other Japanese learners often stumble on a few specific areas. The most common error involves particle choice. Because the English translation is "compared to," some learners mistakenly use the particle to (と) instead of ni (に), resulting in *〜と比べて. While 〜と比べて is actually grammatically possible in some contexts (implying 'comparing with' as an active process), the standard, most natural form for basic comparison is always ni.

Confusion with 〜に加えて: Learners often confuse ni kurabete with ni kuwaete (in addition to). This is a significant semantic error. One establishes a comparison, while the other adds information. For example, saying "Compared to English, he speaks French" (incorrect) instead of "In addition to English, he speaks French" (correct) changes the entire meaning of the sentence.
The 'Yori' Overlap: Another mistake is using ni kurabete when a simple yori would suffice. While not technically "wrong," using ni kurabete for every single comparison can make your Japanese sound overly heavy or clinical. If you are just saying "A is bigger than B," use B yori A no hō ga ookii. Save ni kurabete for when you want to emphasize the act of comparison or when the sentence is more complex.

❌ 去年を比べて、今年は暑い。
(Kyonen o kurabete...)
This is a common mistake. You cannot use 'o' here because 'kurabete' is functioning as a fixed grammar phrase, not a direct object verb in this specific construction. Use 'ni'.

A subtle mistake occurs with nominalization. Many learners forget that ni kurabete can only follow a noun. If you want to compare two sentences or verbs, you must use no. For example, *Taberu ni kurabete is incorrect; it must be Taberu no ni kurabete. This 'no' turns the verb into a noun so the comparison can logically attach to it. Failing to do this is a hallmark of lower-intermediate speech.

❌ 昨日に比べて、今日はもっと忙しい。
(Kinō ni kurabete, kyō wa motto isogashii.)
While 'motto' (more) is often used in English comparisons, it is redundant in Japanese when using 'ni kurabete'. The comparison is already implied. Using it isn't forbidden, but it sounds a bit unnatural to native ears.

Finally, avoid using ni kurabete when comparing things that aren't of the same category. You can compare a car to a car, or a city to a city, but comparing a car to a banana using ni kurabete sounds nonsensical unless you are in a very specific poetic or scientific context. The phrase implies a logical basis for the comparison.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing comparison, and choosing the right one depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you wish to convey. While 〜に比べて is the most versatile and common, knowing its alternatives will significantly improve your expressive range. The most direct relative is 〜と比較して (to hikaku shite). This is the formal, academic, and technical version of the phrase. You will see it in research papers, formal reports, and news articles discussing statistics. It literally means "in comparison with" and uses the kanji 比較 (comparison).

〜より (Yori): The simplest and most common way to compare. It is used for basic "A is more [Adjective] than B" structures. It is less descriptive than ni kurabete but more efficient for quick comparisons. Use yori for everyday matters like "I like apples more than oranges."
〜に引き換え (Ni hikikae): This is a much stronger, more dramatic form of comparison. It suggests a sharp contrast or a complete reversal of situation. For example, "In contrast to his hardworking brother, he is lazy." It carries a more emotional or judgmental weight than the neutral ni kurabete.

前作に比較して、今作はグラフィックが大幅に向上している。
(Zensaku ni hikaku shite, konsaku wa gurafikkusu ga oohaba ni kōjō shite iru.)
Compared with the previous work, the graphics in this work have improved significantly. (Formal/Technical)

Another interesting alternative is 〜に対して (ni taishite). While often translated as "towards" or "against," it is frequently used to contrast two different subjects or viewpoints. For example, "While women's wages are rising, men's wages are stagnant." Here, ni taishite highlights the opposition rather than just the relative difference in value. If you want to emphasize that two things are moving in different directions or have opposing qualities, ni taishite is often the better choice.

兄が社交的なのに対して、弟は内向的だ。
(Ani ga shakōteki na no ni taishite, otōto wa naikōteki da.)
While the older brother is sociable, the younger brother is introverted. (Contrast)

Finally, there is 〜どころか (dokoro ka), which is used for extreme comparisons where the second part is far beyond what was suggested in the first part. It translates to "far from..." or "not to mention..." For example, "Far from being rich, he doesn't even have a job." This is a rhetorical device used to emphasize a point by comparing it to a much milder possibility. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact 'shade' of comparison needed for your specific situation.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '比' is actually a pictograph of two people (人) standing together. It's one of the most literal representations of 'comparison' in the entire writing system!

Pronunciation Guide

UK ni kɯ.ba.be.te

US ni ku.ba.re.te

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. In 'kurabete', the pitch is relatively flat, but often starts low on 'ku' and rises slightly on 'ra'.

Rhymes With

食べて (tabete) 調べて (shirabete) 並べて (narabete) 浮かべて (ukabete) 運んで (hakonde - near rhyme) 遊んで (asonde - near rhyme) 読んで (yonde - near rhyme) 休んで (yasunde - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 're' as a hard English 'R'.
Stressing the 'be' syllable too much.
Elongating the 'ni' particle.
Making the 'u' in 'ku' too round (it should be unrounded).
Pausing too long between 'ni' and 'kurabete'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 比 is simple, but the te-form logic requires B1 level understanding.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct particle 'ni' and understanding of nominalization with 'no'.

Speaking 2/5

Very easy to slot into sentences once the pattern is memorized.

Listening 2/5

Clear and distinct pronunciation makes it easy to catch in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

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

Learn Next

〜と比較して (hikaku shite) 〜に対して (ni taishite) 〜に引き換え (ni hikikae) 〜反面 (hanmen) 〜どころか (dokoro ka)

Advanced

〜をよそに〜をものともせず〜はおろか〜相まって

Grammar to Know

Noun + より + Noun + のほうが + Adjective

りんごよりバナナのほうが好きだ。

Noun + ほど + Negative Adjective

今年は去年ほど暑くない。

Noun + に + 対して

都市部に対して、地方は人口が減っている。

Verb-Dictionary + の + に比べて

歩くのに比べて、走るのは速い。

Noun + と + 比較して

A案とB案を比較して、A案に決めた。

Examples by Level

昨日に比べて、今日は暑いです。

Compared to yesterday, today is hot.

Simple Noun + ni kurabete.

この本は、あの本に比べて安いです。

This book is cheap compared to that book.

Comparing two physical objects.

お父さんに比べて、お母さんは背が高いです。

Compared to my father, my mother is tall.

Comparing people's physical traits.

冬に比べて、夏は長いです。

Compared to winter, summer is long.

Comparing time periods.

この部屋は、前の部屋に比べて広いです。

This room is spacious compared to the previous room.

Using 'mae no' (previous) as a comparison point.

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.

犬に比べて、猫は静かです。

Compared to dogs, cats are quiet.

Comparing animal behavior.

日本語は、英語に比べて難しいですか。

Is Japanese difficult compared to English?

Question form using 'ni kurabete'.

東京に比べて、私の町は静かです。

Compared to Tokyo, my town is quiet.

Comparing locations.

去年に比べて、今年は雪がたくさん降りました。

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

Using 'takusan' to emphasize the difference.

以前に比べて、携帯電話は便利になりました。

Compared to before, mobile phones have become convenient.

Comparing past and present state.

兄に比べて、弟はよく食べます。

Compared to the older brother, the younger brother eats a lot.

Comparing habits.

このカメラは、古いものに比べて使いやすいです。

This camera is easy to use compared to the old one.

Adjective 'yasui' (easy to do) after the comparison.

野菜に比べて、肉のほうが高いです。

Compared to vegetables, meat is more expensive.

Combining 'ni kurabete' with 'no hō ga'.

朝に比べて、夜は道が混んでいます。

Compared to the morning, the roads are crowded at night.

Comparing times of day.

漢字に比べて、ひらがなは覚えるのが簡単です。

Compared to Kanji, Hiragana is easy to memorize.

Comparing parts of the language.

都会の生活は、田舎に比べて刺激が多いが、疲れやすい。

City life has more stimulation compared to the countryside, but it's easy to get tired.

Using 'ni kurabete' in a compound sentence with 'ga' (but).

自炊するのに比べて、外食ははお金がかかります。

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

Nominalizing a verb with 'no' before 'ni kurabete'.

以前のモデルに比べ、新しいスマホはバッテリーの持ちが良い。

Compared to the previous model, the new smartphone has better battery life.

Formal 'ni kurabe' (omitting 'te').

昨日の失敗に比べれば、今日のミスはそれほど大きくない。

If compared to yesterday's failure, today's mistake isn't that big.

Conditional 'ni kurabereba' for subjective judgment.

彼は他の学生に比べて、語彙力が非常に豊富だ。

Compared to other students, his vocabulary is extremely rich.

Comparing specific skills/abilities.

この薬は、以前のものに比べて副作用が少ないと言われている。

It is said that this medicine has fewer side effects compared to the previous one.

Using 'to iwarete iru' (it is said) with the comparison.

日本は他の先進国に比べて、キャッシュレス化が遅れている。

Compared to other developed countries, Japan is lagging in going cashless.

Comparing national trends.

オンライン授業は、対面授業に比べて質問がしにくいと感じる。

I feel that online classes make it harder to ask questions compared to face-to-face classes.

Comparing experiences/feelings.

経済成長率を近隣諸国に比べると、我が国の停滞が際立っている。

When comparing the economic growth rate to neighboring countries, our country's stagnation stands out.

Using 'ni kuraberu to' for natural consequence/observation.

女性の社会進出は、数十年前の状況に比べれば格段に進んでいる。

Women's social advancement has progressed remarkably if compared to the situation decades ago.

Using 'ni kurabereba' to emphasize progress.

この投資信託は、株式投資に比べてリスクが低いが、リターンも限定的だ。

This investment trust has lower risk compared to stock investment, but the returns are also limited.

Comparing financial instruments.

原作の小説に比べて、映画版は心理描写が物足りない気がする。

Compared to the original novel, I feel the movie version's psychological depiction is insufficient.

Comparing media adaptations.

海外の大学に比べて、日本の大学は入学するのが難しく、卒業するのが易しいと言われる。

It is said that compared to overseas universities, Japanese universities are hard to enter and easy to graduate from.

Comparing educational systems.

彼の演奏は、技術的な完璧さに比べて、感情表現がやや乏しい。

Compared to its technical perfection, his performance is somewhat lacking in emotional expression.

Comparing abstract qualities of an art piece.

都市部での生活費は、地方に比べて圧倒的に高く、若者の生活を圧迫している。

The cost of living in urban areas is overwhelmingly high compared to rural areas, putting pressure on young people's lives.

Using 'attōteki ni' (overwhelmingly) for emphasis.

従来のガソリン車に比べ、電気自動車は走行時の二酸化炭素排出量がゼロである。

Compared to conventional gasoline cars, electric vehicles have zero carbon dioxide emissions during travel.

Formal 'ni kurabe' in a technical context.

本研究の結果を先行研究のデータに比べると、有意な差が認められた。

When comparing the results of this study with the data from previous studies, a significant difference was observed.

Academic usage of 'ni kuraberu to'.

彼の散文は、同時代の作家に比べて装飾が少なく、極めて簡潔である。

His prose, compared to contemporary writers, has little decoration and is extremely concise.

Literary criticism context.

現代の若者の価値観は、バブル世代のそれに比べれば、より現実的で保守的だと言える。

The values of today's youth can be said to be more realistic and conservative compared to those of the bubble generation.

Comparing generational values using 'ni kurabereba'.

この新薬の有効性は、既存の治療法に比べて飛躍的に向上していることが実証された。

It has been demonstrated that the effectiveness of this new drug has improved dramatically compared to existing treatments.

Medical/Scientific reporting.

その政治家の演説は、内容の具体性に比べて、修辞的な美しさが際立っていた。

The politician's speech was notable for its rhetorical beauty, compared to the concreteness of its content.

Nuanced contrast of qualities.

伝統的な職人技に比べ、機械による大量生産は均一性においては勝るが、味わいに欠ける。

Compared to traditional craftsmanship, mass production by machines is superior in uniformity but lacks 'flavor' or character.

Discussing philosophical/aesthetic differences.

欧米諸国の労働慣行に比べ、日本のそれは未だに長時間労働を美徳とする傾向が根強い。

Compared to the labor practices of Western countries, Japan's practices still have a strong tendency to view long working hours as a virtue.

Sociological analysis.

情報化社会の進展により、以前に比べて個人のプライバシーを守ることが格段に難しくなっている。

With the advancement of the information society, it has become remarkably more difficult to protect personal privacy compared to before.

Discussing modern challenges.

近世の封建制度に比べ、近代国家の成立は個人の権利を法的に保障する契機となった。

Compared to the feudal system of the early modern period, the establishment of the modern state served as a catalyst for legally guaranteeing individual rights.

Historical/Political theory analysis.

氏の文体は、その難解さに比べて、伝えようとするメッセージ自体は驚くほど平易である。

Compared to the difficulty of his writing style, the message he attempts to convey is surprisingly simple.

Sophisticated literary observation.

宇宙の悠久な時間に比べれば、人間の生涯など瞬きの一瞬にも満たない儚いものである。

If compared to the eternal time of the universe, a human life is a fleeting thing, not even lasting as long as the blink of an eye.

Philosophical/Poetic reflection using 'ni kurabereba'.

都市の再開発計画は、その経済的合理性に比べて、文化的な遺産の保存という観点が等閑視されがちだ。

Urban redevelopment plans, compared to their economic rationality, tend to neglect the perspective of preserving cultural heritage.

Critical urban planning discourse.

量子力学の不可解な振る舞いに比べれば、古典物理学の法則は直感的で理解しやすいものと言えるだろう。

If compared to the mysterious behavior of quantum mechanics, the laws of classical physics could be said to be intuitive and easy to understand.

Advanced scientific comparison.

言語の壁という障壁に比べ、文化的な差異から生じる誤解のほうが、解消するにはより深い洞察を要する。

Compared to the barrier of language, misunderstandings arising from cultural differences require deeper insight to resolve.

Intercultural communication theory.

AIの驚異的な演算能力に比べ、人間の脳はエネルギー効率の点において、未だに比類なき優位性を保っている。

Compared to the phenomenal computational power of AI, the human brain still maintains an unparalleled advantage in terms of energy efficiency.

Neuroscience/Technology comparison.

絶対王政の時代に比べ、現代の民主主義社会における権力の分散は、腐敗の抑止力として機能しているはずだが、実態は複雑である。

Compared to the era of absolute monarchy, the decentralization of power in modern democratic societies is supposed to function as a deterrent to corruption, but the reality is complex.

Complex political science discourse.

Common Collocations

以前に比べて

他国に比べて

例年に比べて

前作に比べて

期待に比べて

都会に比べて

自分に比べて

昨日に比べて

欧米に比べて

去年に比べて

Common Phrases

以前に比べて...

— Used to describe how things have changed from the past to now. Very common in personal reflections.

以前に比べて、日本語が上手になりましたね。

他人に比べて...

— Used when comparing oneself or someone to other people in general. Often carries a social nuance.

他人に比べて、自分は遅れていると感じる。

周りに比べて...

— Compared to those around you or the surroundings. Used for social context.

周りに比べて、彼の服装は目立っていた。

普通に比べて...

— Compared to the normal or average state. Highlights something unusual.

普通に比べて、この冬は特に寒い。

予想に比べて...

— Compared to what was expected. Used to express surprise or disappointment.

予想に比べて、テストは簡単だった。

去年に比べて...

— A standard way to compare the current year with the previous one.

去年に比べて、今年は旅行者が多い。

自分に比べて...

— Used for personal comparisons, often expressing envy or self-reflection.

自分に比べて、彼女はいつも明るい。

都会に比べて...

— A classic comparison between urban and rural life qualities.

都会に比べて、家賃が安い。

男性に比べて...

— Used in gender-based comparisons, often in social or medical contexts.

男性に比べて、女性は寿命が長い傾向にある。

日本に比べて...

— Used by foreigners or Japanese people comparing Japan to other countries.

日本に比べて、私の国は夏がもっと暑いです。

Often Confused With

〜に比べて vs 〜に加えて

Means 'in addition to'. Learners confuse them because they both start with 'ni' and end with 'te'.

〜に比べて vs 〜に対して

Means 'towards' or 'in contrast to'. It emphasizes opposition rather than just relative difference.

〜に比べて vs 〜に代わって

Means 'on behalf of' or 'instead of'. Completely different meaning but similar structure.

Idioms & Expressions

"月とすっぽん"

— An idiom meaning 'as different as night and day' (literally 'the moon and a soft-shelled turtle'). It is used when two things are so different that a comparison is almost meaningless.

彼ら二人の才能を比べるのは、月とすっぽんだ。

Informal/Idiomatic

"比べるべくもない"

— Meaning 'not even worth comparing' because the difference is so vast.

彼の技術は、私などと比べるべくもない。

Formal

"甲乙つけがたい"

— Used when two things are both so good that it's hard to say which is better (hard to compare).

この二つの作品は、甲乙つけがたい素晴らしさだ。

Formal/Neutral

"雲泥の差"

— Meaning 'a difference like clouds and mud.' A very strong way to say two things are incomparable.

プロとアマチュアでは、実力に雲泥の差がある。

Formal/Neutral

"どんぐりの背比べ"

— Literally 'acorns comparing heights.' Used when several things are being compared, but they are all equally mediocre.

彼らの成績は、どれもどんぐりの背比べだ。

Informal

"比肩する"

— To rank with or to be equal to. Often used in the negative to say something is incomparable.

彼に比肩する者はいない。(No one compares to him.)

Literary

"類を見ない"

— Unparalleled or unique; literally 'not seeing anything of its kind' to compare to.

これは歴史上、類を見ない大事件だ。

Formal/Journalistic

"一日の長がある"

— To be a step ahead or slightly superior due to more experience.

経験の面では、彼に一日の長がある。

Neutral

"肩を並べる"

— To be on equal footing with someone; to stand shoulder to shoulder.

ついに彼は世界王座と肩を並べる存在になった。

Neutral

"目も当てられない"

— So bad that you can't even look at it, often used when comparing a failure to a previous success.

前回の成功に比べて、今回は目も当てられない惨敗だ。

Informal

Easily Confused

〜に比べて vs より (yori)

Both are used for comparison.

'Yori' is a simple particle used for basic 'A > B' comparisons. 'Ni kurabete' is a compound phrase that sounds more descriptive and sets a formal reference point.

これよりあれがいい。(I like that more than this.) vs これに比べてあれは高い。(Compared to this, that is expensive.)

〜に比べて vs と比較して (to hikaku shite)

They have the same meaning.

'To hikaku shite' is much more formal and used in written reports or academic contexts. 'Ni kurabete' is used in daily speech and general writing.

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

〜に比べて vs に際して (ni saishite)

Similar sounding 'ni ... te' structure.

'Ni saishite' means 'on the occasion of' or 'at the time of'. It has nothing to do with comparison.

出発に際して注意点がある。(There are points to note upon departure.)

〜に比べて vs に反して (ni hanshite)

Similar structure.

'Ni hanshite' means 'contrary to' (e.g., contrary to expectations). It implies a violation or reversal, not just a comparison.

予想に反して雨が降った。(Contrary to expectations, it rained.)

〜に比べて vs に伴って (ni tomonatte)

Similar structure.

'Ni tomonatte' means 'along with' or 'as a result of'. It describes two things happening together.

人口の増加に伴って、ゴミも増えた。(Along with the population increase, trash also increased.)

Sentence Patterns

AはBに比べて[Adj]です。

冬は夏に比べて短いです。

以前に比べて[Verb/Adj]になりました。

以前に比べて、日本語が上手になりました。

[Verb]のに比べて、[Verb]のは[Adj]だ。

外で遊ぶのに比べて、家で本を読むのは静かだ。

Aに比べれば、Bはまだいいほうだ。

去年の不作に比べれば、今年はまだいいほうだ。

Aに比べると、Bは[Natural Consequence]。

大人に比べると、子供は覚えるのが早い。

先行のAに比べ、今回のBは[Formal Observation]。

前回の調査に比べ、今回は有効回答数が減少した。

Aの[Quality]に比べて、Bは[Different Quality]が目立つ。

彼の勇気に比べて、彼の慎重さはあまり知られていない。

Aに比べれば、Bなど[Metaphor/Idiom]に過ぎない。

宇宙の歴史に比べれば、人間の文明など瞬きの一瞬に過ぎない。

Word Family

Nouns

比較 (hikaku) - Comparison

対比 (taihi) - Contrast

比率 (hiritsu) - Ratio

比例 (hirei) - Proportion

Verbs

比べる (kuraberu) - To compare (Transitive)

比す (hisu) - To compare (Formal/Archaic)

比較する (hikaku suru) - To compare (Sino-Japanese)

Adjectives

比較的 (hikakuteki) - Comparative/Relative

比 (hi) - Ratio/Comparison

類 (rui) - Kind/Type

例 (rei) - Example

較べる (kuraberu) - Alternative kanji for to compare

比重 (hijū) - Specific gravity / Relative importance

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in news, business, and daily comparisons of state/quality.

Common Mistakes

去年を比べて (Kyonen o kurabete) → 去年に比べて (Kyonen ni kurabete)
You must use the particle 'ni' to indicate the standard of comparison. 'O' is used for the direct object of the verb 'kuraberu', but not in this grammar phrase.
食べるに比べて (Taberu ni kurabete) → 食べるのに比べて (Taberu no ni kurabete)
Verbs must be nominalized with 'no' before they can be followed by 'ni kurabete'.
去年に比べて、今年はもっと暑い。(...motto atsui) → 去年に比べて、今年は暑い。(...atsui)
While 'motto' isn't strictly wrong, it is often redundant because 'ni kurabete' already establishes the comparison.
去年と比べて (Kyonen to kurabete) → 去年に比べて (Kyonen ni kurabete)
While 'to' is sometimes used, 'ni' is the standard and most natural particle for this specific grammatical construction.
東京に比べて、大阪のほうが静かだと言われている。 → 都会に比べて、田舎は静かだと言われている。
Logical error: Comparing Tokyo to Osaka and saying Osaka is quiet is factually strange. Ensure your comparisons make logical sense in context.

Tips

Nominalization is Key

Remember to add 'no' when comparing actions. 'Hashiru ni kurabete' is wrong; 'Hashiru no ni kurabete' is right. This is a common mistake for intermediate learners.

News Style

When reading Japanese news, you will see '〜に比べ' constantly. It helps the sentence flow better in a formal context without the 'te' ending.

Avoid Redundancy

Don't feel the need to say 'yori' and 'ni kurabete' in the same clause. Choose one. 'B yori A no hō ga...' is simple; 'B ni kurabete A wa...' is more descriptive.

Tactful Comparisons

In Japan, comparing yourself to others can sometimes seem self-deprecating or envious. Use 'ni kurabete' carefully in personal social contexts.

Catch the Particle

The particle 'ni' is the anchor. If you hear a noun followed by 'ni', and then a 'ku' sound, prepare for a comparison.

Kanji Meaning

The kanji 比 means 'compare'. Remembering the two people standing side-by-side will help you remember the meaning of the whole phrase.

Logical Flow

Use 'ni kurabete' to provide evidence for your adjectives. Instead of just saying 'It's expensive,' say 'Compared to my country, it's expensive.'

Knee-Cool-Rabbit

Use the 'Knee Cool Rabbit' mnemonic to remember the sound 'Ni Kurabete'. It works every time!

Formal Alternative

If you are writing a university paper, consider switching 'ni kurabete' to 'to hikaku shite' for a more professional tone.

Weather Talk

The easiest way to practice is with the weather. 'Kinō ni kurabete...' is a perfect daily conversation starter.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ni Kurabete' as 'Knee-Cool-Rabbit-Eh?'. Imagine a cool rabbit standing next to your knee to see who is taller. You are 'comparing' yourself to the rabbit!

Visual Association

Visualize a classic balance scale. On one side is the 'Noun + ni', and on the other side is the subject of your sentence. 'Kurabete' is the act of the scale moving.

Word Web

比べる (Verb) 比較 (Noun) 対比 (Contrast) より (Simple) に比べて (Phrase) に比べれば (Conditional) に比べると (Consequence) に比べ (Formal)

Challenge

Try to find 5 things in your room right now and compare them to something else using 'ni kurabete'. For example: 'This pen is long compared to that one.'

Word Origin

The phrase comes from the Japanese verb 'kuraberu' (比べる). The kanji '比' (hi) represents two people standing side-by-side to see who is taller or different, which is the essence of comparison.

Original meaning: To put two things side-by-side to measure or evaluate them.

Japonic (Native Japanese origin/Yamato kotoba).

Cultural Context

Be careful when comparing people's abilities or physical traits in a group setting, as it can be perceived as creating a hierarchy.

English speakers often use 'than' for everything. Learning 'ni kurabete' helps break the habit of overusing 'yori' and makes your Japanese sound more sophisticated.

The term appears frequently in Japanese self-help books like 'Tanin to kurabenai ikikata' (How to live without comparing yourself to others). Commonly used in NHK News 'Yasashii Nihongo' segments to explain economic data. Used in the lyrics of many J-Pop songs to contrast past heartbreak with present feelings.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecasts

昨日に比べて暑い
例年に比べて雨が多い
朝に比べて気温が下がる
平年に比べて開花が早い

Business Reports

前年同期に比べて
他社製品に比べて
目標に比べて
コストに比べて

Travel / Moving

都会に比べて家賃が安い
前の家に比べて広い
日本に比べて物価が高い
バスに比べて時間がかかる

Personal Growth

昔に比べて健康だ
以前に比べて話せるようになった
周りに比べて自分は...
昨日の自分に比べて

Shopping

値段に比べて質が良い
あっちの店に比べて安い
見た目に比べて軽い
期待に比べて美味しくない

Conversation Starters

"日本に来る前に比べて、今の生活はどうですか？ (Compared to before you came to Japan, how is your life 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?)"

"以前の仕事に比べて、今の仕事は忙しいですか？ (Compared to your previous job, is your current job busy?)"

"子供の時に比べて、今の性格は変わりましたか？ (Compared to when you were a child, has your personality changed?)"

"このレストランは、他のお店に比べて何が美味しいですか？ (Compared to other shops, what is delicious at this restaurant?)"

Journal Prompts

一年前の自分に比べて、今の自分が成長したと思うことを書いてください。 (Write about how you think you have grown compared to yourself one year ago.)

都会の生活と田舎の生活を比べて、どちらが好きか理由を説明してください。 (Compare city life and country life and explain which you prefer.)

最近の物価の上昇について、数年前に比べてどう感じますか？ (How do you feel about the recent rise in prices compared to a few years ago?)

自分の得意なことと、他の人に比べて優れていると思う点について考えてみましょう。 (Think about what you are good at and where you think you excel compared to others.)

今のスマホと、昔使っていたガラケーを比べて、不便になったと思う点はありますか？ (Compared to your current smartphone and your old flip phone, are there any points you think have become inconvenient?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but you must nominalize the verb first. Add 'no' after the dictionary form of the verb. For example: 'Taberu no ni kurabete' (Compared to eating).

'Ni kurabe' is the formal, written version. It is common in news and reports. 'Ni kurabete' is the neutral version used in speaking.

It is grammatically okay, but often redundant. Native speakers usually omit 'motto' because the comparison is already clear. Use it only for strong emphasis.

'Ni kurabete' is the standard grammar. 'To kurabete' is sometimes used when you are actively comparing two things together, but for general 'compared to' statements, 'ni' is preferred.

Use 'ni kurabereba' when you are giving a subjective opinion or looking for a 'silver lining' (e.g., 'If compared to last time, this is better').

Yes, it is common to compare people's height, skills, or personality. Just be careful with the social context so you don't sound rude.

Yes, it is a very common grammar point in the JLPT N3 level and appears frequently in reading and listening sections.

There isn't a single word, but '〜と同じくらい' (about the same as) or '〜と同様に' (similarly to) are used when things are not different.

You can say 'Nani ni kurabete?' or more politely 'Nani to hikaku shite?'

Usually, it follows a noun. If you want to start a sentence, you might say 'Sore ni kurabete...' (Compared to that...).