～より～ほうが: Comparisons

Introduction

Today we’ll be learning about ～より～方ほうが and how it’s used to make comparisons!

We’ve previously learned that 方ほうがいい is used to give advice by contrasting the better option with its unspoken alternative (the worse option). In a way, 方ほうがいい introduces a comparison that might make this lesson a tiny bit easier to understand! With ～より～方ほうが, we’ll be going all-in and making a direct comparison between two things!

より and 方ほう: Tools For Comparison

Structure:

"The Lesser Option + より + The Greater Option + 方ほうが"

• 

  For Nouns: Noun 1よりNoun 2の方ほうが
  Example:
  → 本ほんよりパソコンの方ほうがいい。
  ”Computers are better than books.”

• 

  For Verbs: Casual Verb 1よりCasual Verb 2方ほうが
  Example:
  → 借かりるより買かう方ほうがいい。
  ”Buying is better than renting.”

• 

  For Adjectives:

  • 

    い-adjective 1よりい-adjective 2方ほうが
    Example:
    → 冷つめたいよりあつい方ほうが好すきだ。
    ”I prefer hot over chilled.”

  • 

    な-adjective 1なよりな-adjective 2な方ほうが
    Example:
    → 不便ふべんなより便利べんりな方ほうがいいね。
    ”Convenience is better than inconvenience.”