Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
The core comparison pattern
AよりBのほうが means “B is more … than A.” Read the item before より first, then notice that the real judgment lands on the thing before のほうが.
Target signal
電車よりバスのほうが安いです。
The bus is cheaper than the train.
The bus is the thing being judged as cheaper.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- バス
- bus
Compare in context
今日は昨日より寒いです。
Today is colder than yesterday.
A time comparison works with the same pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- より
- than
- 今日
- today
Compare in context
このかばんはそのかばんより大きいです。
This bag is bigger than that bag.
The same structure works for size too.
Vocabulary notes
- かばん
- bag
- 大きい
- big; loud
- この
- this
Section 2 of 3
Preferences and choices
This pattern is very common with 好きです. It helps you compare food, drinks, seasons, animals, and simple personal preferences.
Target signal
コーヒーよりお茶のほうが好きです。
I like tea more than coffee.
The speaker prefers tea over coffee.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
- コーヒー
- coffee
- お茶
- tea
Preview
犬よりねこのほうが好きです。
I like cats more than dogs.
Animals are another common beginner comparison topic.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
- この
- this
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Preview
夏より春のほうが好きです。
I like spring more than summer.
Seasons often appear in simple comparison practice.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- より
- than
Section 3 of 3
Reading short comparison questions
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 のほうが or the adjective answer.
Target signal
A: どちらが安いですか。 B: バスのほうが安いです。
A: Which is cheaper? B: The bus is cheaper.
The answer can repeat only the judged side and the adjective.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
- どちら
- which one
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Preview
りんごよりバナナのほうが甘いです。
Bananas are sweeter than apples.
The compared items can be foods instead of objects or places.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
- バナナ
- banana
- りんご
- apple
Preview
駅より学校のほうが近いです。
The school is closer than the station.
A simple place comparison still follows the same pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- のほうが
- the ... one is more ...
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
- より
- than