より～ほうが means more than. It is a JLPT N5 Japanese grammar pattern used to compare two things and say the second one has more of a quality.
This grammar point appears often in beginner conversations, classroom Japanese, and JLPT-style questions. If you want to compare two things and say the second one has more of a quality, より～ほうが is a useful pattern to learn because it helps you build natural basic sentences.
What does より～ほうが mean?
Use より～ほうが when you want to compare two things and say the second one has more of a quality.
Natural translations include:
- more than
- more than; comparatively more
- more than; comparatively more
The exact English translation changes with context. Focus on the role of the grammar point in the sentence first, then choose the English phrase that sounds natural.
How to form より～ほうが
Noun A + より + noun B + のほうが + adjective
Examples of the pattern:
- バスより電車のほうが速い
- 昨日より今日のほうが暑い
- 肉より魚のほうが好き
Pay attention to the word form before and after the pattern. Many beginner mistakes happen because the meaning is understood, but the grammar is attached to the wrong form.
When is より～ほうが used?
Use より～ほうが in situations like:
- choosing between two options
- stating preferences
- making simple comparisons
Tone and register:
- neutral and common
- Common in daily speech, textbook examples, and beginner JLPT questions
より～ほうが example sentences
- バスより電車のほうが速いです。 — Trains are faster than buses.
- 昨日より今日のほうが暑いです。 — Today is hotter than yesterday.
- 肉より魚のほうが好きです。 — I like fish more than meat.
- この本よりあの本のほうが面白いです。 — That book is more interesting than this book.
- コーヒーよりお茶のほうがいいです。 — Tea is better than coffee.
Read the Japanese sentence first, then check the English translation. Try to notice what the grammar point contributes: question, contrast, reason, time limit, suggestion, negation, comparison, or emphasis.
Nuance of より～ほうが
The key nuance is the item after より is the comparison base; the item with ほうが is the stronger side.
This matters because beginner Japanese often uses small words and endings to show meaning that English expresses with word order or helper verbs. For より～ほうが, the sentence can change a lot depending on placement and context.
For example:
- In conversation, it helps the listener understand the item after より is the comparison base; the item with ほうが is the stronger side.
- Compared with は〜より・・・です, it has a different job even when the English translation looks close.
より～ほうが vs は〜より・・・です
Both より～ほうが and は〜より・・・です can express related ideas, but they are different.
より～ほうが:
- emphasizes which option is more
- often answers “which is more?” questions
は〜より・・・です:
- sets the first noun as topic and compares it to より
- is a simpler A is more than B sentence pattern
Quick contrast examples:
- バスより電車のほうが速いです。— Trains are faster than buses.
- 電車はバスより速いです。— Trains are faster than buses.
If you are unsure which one to use, ask what the sentence is trying to do: ask a question, connect ideas, show a reason, mark time, make an invitation, compare two things, or add emphasis.
Common mistakes with より～ほうが
Watch out for these mistakes:
- Putting the stronger item before より by mistake
- Forgetting の before ほうが after nouns
- Confusing より with と for comparison
A good study habit is to write one short sentence and then change only the grammar point. This makes the difference between similar patterns easier to feel.
Is より～ほうが on the JLPT?
Yes. より～ほうが is commonly taught as JLPT N5 grammar.
That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences
For test preparation, do not only memorize the English gloss. Practice identifying the words around the grammar point, because JLPT questions often test structure and context together.
Practice questions for より～ほうが
Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Say trains are faster than buses.
- Say you like fish more than meat.
- Say today is hotter than yesterday.
Keep the sentences short at first. Once the form feels natural, add time words, places, reasons, or contrast to make the sentence more realistic.
Learn より～ほうが with Kanjiru
If you want to review より～ほうが together with kanji, vocabulary, and other JLPT N5 patterns, Kanjiru helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.
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