Comparisons are a key part of expressing preferences, evaluating options, and describing differences in Japanese. In this blog post, we’ll focus on the simple and commonly used structure: A のほうが B より ~です, which helps you say things like “This is better than that” or “I prefer A to B.” Let’s get started!

Structure:

A のほうが B より adjective です

Translation: “A is more [adjective] than B.”

This structure clearly indicates that A has more of a certain quality compared to B. The key here is to remember the order: A comes first, followed by B, and then the adjective to describe the comparison.

Examples:

1. この本ほんのほうが辞書じしょより分わかりやすいです。 (Kono hon no hoo ga jisho yori wakariyasui desu.)
   This book is easier to understand than the dictionary.
2. 東京とうきょうのほうが大阪おおさかより家賃やちんが高たかいです。 (Tookyoo no hoo ga Oosaka yori yachin ga takai desu.)
   Tokyo’s rent is higher than Osaka’s.
3. 犬いぬのほうが猫ねこよりフレンドリーです。 (Inu no hoo ga neko yori furendorii desu.)
   Dogs are friendlier than cats.
4. 夏なつのほうが冬ふゆより好すきです。 (Natsu no hoo ga fuyu yori suki desu.)
   I like summer more than winter.

Asking Preferences:

You can ask someone’s opinion by using A と B とどちらのほうが ~ですか？

Example:

• コーヒーとお茶ちゃとどちらのほうが好すきですか？ (Koohī to ocha to dochira no hoo ga suki desu ka?) Which do you like more, coffee or tea?

Answer:

• お茶ちゃのほうが好すきです。 (Ocha no hoo ga suki desu.)
  I like tea more.

Simplifying in Casual Speech:

In conversation, it’s common to drop words for simplicity while keeping the meaning clear. For example:

1. 冬ふゆのほうが好すき！(Fuyu no hoo ga suki!)
   I prefer winter!
2. 夏なつより冬ふゆがいい。(Natsu yori fuyu ga ii.)
   Winter is better than summer.

Practice Challenge:

Try translating these sentences into Japanese:

1. “I think studying is harder than playing sports.”
2. “I prefer staying home to going out.”
3. “Which is more delicious, sushi or ramen?”

Share your answers in the comments, and let’s practice together! 🌟

By mastering A のほうが B より ~です, you’ll be able to express comparisons naturally in Japanese. Whether you’re chatting about your favorite food, seasons, or anything else, this structure is versatile and easy to use.

Happy learning! 😊 Japanese more natural and coherent. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself using them effortlessly in conversations and writing. Let us know in the comments how you plan to practice these new conjunctions! 😊

If you want to learn Japanese, improve your skills, or connect with native speakers and other learners, we can help. We offer one-on-one lessons, a supportive community, and on demand courses.

Website: nihongonana.com
Email: support@nihongonana.com

✅Book 1-on-1 lessons: https://nihongonana.com/lessons/
✅Join our community: https://nihongonana.com/community/
✅Access courses: https://nihongonana.com/courses/