より～ほうが

About

The ～より～ほうが pattern is used to compare two options and say that one is preferable over the other, or that one has more of a certain value. In this pattern, the less desirable or lesser option always comes first (before より), and the preferred or greater option comes second (before ほうが).

Nouns, verbs, and adjectives may precede より and ほうが. Nouns require の to attach to ほうが, and な-adjectives require な. Casual verbs and い-adjectives can attach directly.

The order of より and ほうが may also be reversed, but the meaning of the sentence remains unchanged.

E.g. 歩あるくより走はしる方が楽たのしい。⭕️ "Running is more fun than walking."

E.g. 走はしる方ほうが歩あるくより楽たのしい。⭕️ "Running is more fun than walking."

Either 〜より or 〜方 may be omitted if context allows.

E.g. これがより安やすい。　⭕️ "This is cheaper."

E.g. これの方ほうが安やすい。　⭕️ "This is cheaper."

Summary

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  Use ～より～ほうが to compare two options

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  The less preferable or lesser option comes first, before より, and the preferable or greater option comes second, before ほうが

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  ～より～ほうが may be used in combination with verbs, adjectives, and nouns