Learning how to form comparisons in Japanese is essential for expressing preferences, describing differences, and making comparisons between things. In Japanese, comparisons are made using specific grammar structures and vocabulary, such as "もっと" (motto) for "more," "少ない" (sukunai) for "less," and "一番" (ichiban) for "the most." Understanding these key phrases and sentence patterns allows learners to discuss qualities, quantities, and preferences more effectively. In this guide, we’ll break down how to use these expressions correctly, with examples, so you can start making clear and accurate comparisons in your Japanese conversations.

Basic Concepts of Japanese Comparisons

Japanese comparisons rely on specific structures rather than direct equivalents to "more" or "less" in English. The most common way to express a comparison is by using より (yori) and のほうが (no hou ga).

1. より (yori) → "Than"
2. のほうが (no hou ga) → "More than" (Emphasizes the preferred item)
3. 一番 (ichiban) / 最も (mottomo) → "The most" (Superlative forms)
4. ほど～ない (hodo ~ nai) → "Not as... as" (Expresses a lesser degree)

“Considering JLPT certification for career advancement? Check out our guide to JLPT preparation to make sure you're ready for the exam and can unlock more job opportunities in Japan.”

1. Saying “More” (A is more than B)

To express that A is more than B, you use より (yori) or のほうが (no hou ga).

Using より (yori)

This structure places B as the reference point and states that A is more [adjective] than B.

Pattern:
???? A は B より adjective です。
 (A is more [adjective] than B.)

Example:

• この映画はその映画より面白いです。
  (Kono eiga wa sono eiga yori omoshiroi desu.)
  → This movie is more interesting than that movie.
  
   
• 東京は大阪より大きいです。
  (Tōkyō wa Ōsaka yori ōkii desu.)
  → Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
  
   

Using のほうが (no hou ga)

This structure explicitly emphasizes A as the better/more [adjective] choice.

Pattern:
???? A のほうが B より adjective です。
 (A is more [adjective] than B.)

Example:

• 犬のほうが猫より大きいです。
  (Inu no hou ga neko yori ookii desu.)
  → Dogs are bigger than cats.

“To further improve your Japanese writing skills for JLPT, you can explore our guide on mastering Japanese writing for the JLPT, which provides valuable tips and techniques to enhance your writing fluency and accuracy.”

???? Key Difference:

• より focuses on comparing A and B objectively.
• のほうが emphasizes the preference or the better choice.
• You can combine both:
   犬のほうが猫より大きいです。
  (Inu no hou ga neko yori ookii desu.)
  → Dogs are bigger than cats.

2. Saying “Less” (A is less than B)

Japanese doesn't have a direct equivalent for "less than," so the natural way is to use より (yori) with a negative adjective.

Using より with a Negative Adjective

Pattern:
???? A は B より adjective (negative form) です。
 (A is less [adjective] than B.)

Example:

• この本はあの本より難しくないです。
  (Kono hon wa ano hon yori muzukashikunai desu.)
  → This book is less difficult than that book.
  
   
• 私の部屋はあなたの部屋より広くないです。
  (Watashi no heya wa anata no heya yori hirokunai desu.)
  → My room is less spacious than your room.
   

"To complement your JLPT N3 preparation, don’t forget to check out our list of the best books and online resources for JLPT N3, which offers a comprehensive guide to the most effective study materials for mastering the N3 level."

Using あまり～ない (amari ~ nai)

For a softer expression, you can use あまり (not very) + negative form of an adjective.

Example:

• この町はあまり賑やかではありません。
  (Kono machi wa amari nigiyaka de wa arimasen.)
  → This town is not very lively. (Less lively)
  
   
• 彼の話はあまり面白くないです。
  (Kare no hanashi wa amari omoshirokunai desu.)
  → His story isn’t very interesting.
   

3. Saying “The Most” (Superlative Form)

To express "the most", you use 一番 (ichiban) (casual) or 最も (mottomo) (formal).

Using 一番 (ichiban)

This is the most common and conversational way to express "the most."

Pattern:
???? A が 一番 adjective です。
 (A is the most [adjective].)

Example:

• 私の犬が一番かわいいです。
  (Watashi no inu ga ichiban kawaii desu.)
  → My dog is the cutest.
  
   
• このレストランが一番おいしいです。
  (Kono resutoran ga ichiban oishii desu.)
  → This restaurant is the most delicious.
   

“Looking to expand your JLPT N3 vocabulary? Check out our JLPT N3 Vocabulary List to ensure you’re well-prepared for the exam’s vocabulary section.”

Using 最も (mottomo)

最も is a more formal/written equivalent of 一番.

Pattern:
???? A は 最も adjective です。
 (A is the most [adjective].)

Example:

• 富士山は日本で最も高い山です。
  (Fujisan wa Nihon de mottomo takai yama desu.)
  → Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan.
  
   
• これは最も重要なポイントです。
  (Kore wa mottomo jūyō na pointo desu.)
  → This is the most important point.
   

"Improve your listening skills for JLPT N3 with helpful tips from our JLPT N3 Listening Practice Tips guide, ensuring you're ready for the listening section of the exam."

4. Additional Comparison Expressions

ほど～ない (hodo ~ nai) → "Not as... as"

This structure is used to say that something is not as [adjective] as something else.

Pattern:
???? A は B ほど adjective (negative form) ない。
 (A is not as [adjective] as B.)

Example:

• この問題は思ったほど難しくない。
  (Kono mondai wa omotta hodo muzukashikunai.)
  → This problem is not as difficult as I thought.
  
   
• 彼は私ほど背が高くないです。
  (Kare wa watashi hodo se ga takakunai desu.)
  → He is not as tall as me.
   

“To master JLPT N3 grammar, don't forget to check out our JLPT N3 Grammar Guide for essential rules and tips that will improve your understanding and exam performance.”

5. FAQs: Common Questions About Japanese Comparisons

1. Can I use より and のほうが together?

Yes!
✅ 犬のほうが猫より大きいです。
(Inu no hou ga neko yori ookii desu.)
→ Dogs are bigger than cats.

2. What’s the difference between 一番 and 最も?

• 一番 (ichiban) → Used in everyday speech.
• 最も (mottomo) → Used in formal/written contexts.

3. Can I say "less than" without using negative adjectives?

Not directly. Japanese prefers negative adjectives or あまり～ない.

“For a deeper understanding of how the NAT Japanese Test compares with the JLPT, check out our NAT Japanese Test April 2025 Result to see the latest updates and analysis.”

4. How do I compare three or more things?

Use 一番 (ichiban).
✅ このレストランが三つの中で一番おいしいです。
(Kono resutoran ga mittsu no naka de ichiban oishii desu.)
→ This restaurant is the most delicious among the three.

Mastering Japanese comparisons will make your speech more natural and nuanced. Keep practicing these structures, and soon you’ll compare things like a native!