Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
The core comparison pattern
Use AB to compare two things clearly.
Start with the example
。
The bus is cheaper than the train.
The bus is the thing being judged as cheaper.
Notice the variation
。
Today is colder than yesterday.
A time comparison works with the same pattern.
More detail: how to apply this
AB means “B is more … than A.” Read the item before first, then notice that the real judgment lands on the thing before .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use for the baseline and for the side judged more strongly.
means is close. The school is closer than the station; swapping the noun phrases reverses the comparison.
。
The school is closer than the station.
Use for the baseline and for the side judged more strongly.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The bus is cheaper than the train.
The bus is the thing being judged as cheaper.
Vocabulary notes
- バス
- bus
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
Compare in context
。
Today is colder than yesterday.
A time comparison works with the same pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- 今日
- today
- より
- than
Compare in context
。
This bag is bigger than that bag.
The same structure works for size too.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- かばん
- bag
Section 2 of 4
Preferences and choices
Preferences and choices
Start with the example
。
I like tea more than coffee.
The speaker prefers tea over coffee.
Notice the variation
。
I like cats more than dogs.
Animals are another common beginner comparison topic.
More detail: how to apply this
This pattern is very common with .
It helps you compare food, drinks, seasons, animals, and simple personal preferences.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I like tea more than coffee.
The speaker prefers tea over coffee.
。
I like tea more than coffee.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I like tea more than coffee.
Showing Preferences and choices: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I like tea more than coffee.
The speaker prefers tea over coffee.
Vocabulary notes
- コーヒー
- coffee
- お茶
- tea
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
Preview
。
I like cats more than dogs.
Animals are another common beginner comparison topic.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
。
I like spring more than summer.
Seasons often appear in simple comparison practice.
Vocabulary notes
- より
- than
Section 3 of 4
Reading short comparison questions
Use for the baseline and for the side judged more strongly.
Reading short comparison questions
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
makes the station the comparison baseline. It is not automatically the closer place.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In short dialogue, you may see the same comparison split across a question and answer.
First identify the two things being compared, then look for which side gets or the adjective answer.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
A: Which is cheaper? B: The bus is cheaper.
The answer can repeat only the judged side and the adjective.
A: 。 B: 。
A: Which is cheaper? B: The bus is cheaper.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: A: Which is cheaper? B: The bus is cheaper.
Showing Reading short comparison questions: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
A: 。 B: 。
A: Which is cheaper? B: The bus is cheaper.
The answer can repeat only the judged side and the adjective.
Vocabulary notes
- どちら
- which one
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
Preview
。
Bananas are sweeter than apples.
The compared items can be foods instead of objects or places.
Vocabulary notes
- りんご
- apple
- バナナ
- banana
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
Preview
。
The school is closer than the station.
A simple place comparison still follows the same pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- より
- than
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
AB
Example B
BA
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare AB and BA.
The noun before has the stated property to a greater degree;
supplies the baseline.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The noun before has the stated property to a greater degree; supplies the baseline.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: B is larger / A is larger
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.