〜より

〜より expresses more than (comparison) — a pattern for making comparisons in Japanese. Comparing items, qualities, and degrees works differently in Japanese than in English, with specific particles and patterns for different types of comparison.

This is a foundational pattern that you will use from day one of your Japanese studies.

When to Use#

• When comparing two things to say one is more than the other
• When expressing a preference between options

When NOT to Use#

• In very formal writing where a more sophisticated expression would be expected

Example Sentences#

• 今日は昨日より寒いです。 — Today is colder than yesterday.
• 夏より冬の方が好きです。 — I like winter better than summer.
• 電車で行く方が速いです。 — It's faster to go by train.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜より may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.