Processing keyword: ～に比べて (〜ni kurabete)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に比べて (〜ni kurabete)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～に比べて (〜ni kurabete), which means "compared to" or "in comparison with". This expression is essential for making comparisons between two items, people, situations, or ideas. Understanding how to use ～に比べて will enhance your ability to describe differences and contrasts in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～に比べて is used to compare two things, highlighting differences in degree, quality, or characteristics.
• It translates to "compared to" or "in comparison with" in English.

Structure

• [Noun A] に比べて [Noun B / Phrase]
  • [Noun A]: The reference point or standard for comparison.
  • に比べて: Particle meaning "compared to".
  • [Noun B / Phrase]: The item or situation being compared.

Formation Diagram

[Reference Point] に比べて [Item being compared + Comment]

Visual Aid: Structure Table

Part	Function	Example
Noun A	Reference point for comparison	去年 (last year)
に比べて	Particle meaning "compared to"	に比べて
Noun B/Phrase	Item being compared + Comment	今年は暑いです (it's hot this year)

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3. Comparative Analysis

～に比べて vs. ～より (〜yori)

• ～より
  • Also means "than" and is used for direct comparisons.
  • Structure: [Noun A] より [Adjective/Verb]
  • Focuses on the degree of a particular quality. Comparison Table

	～に比べて	～より
Meaning	Compared to	Than
Usage	General comparisons	Direct comparisons
Structure	[Noun A] に比べて [Noun B]	[Noun A] より [Adjective/Verb]
Example	去年に比べて暑いです。	去年より暑いです。

Note: While both can sometimes be used interchangeably, ～に比べて often introduces a broader or more general comparison.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 家の近くは、町中に比べて静かです。
   • Ie no chikaku wa, machi naka ni kurabete shizuka desu.
   • "Compared to downtown, the area near my house is quiet."
2. この問題は、前の問題に比べて簡単です。
   • Kono mondai wa, mae no mondai ni kurabete kantan desu.
   • "This problem is easy compared to the previous one."
3. 今年の冬は例年に比べて暖かい。
   • Kotoshi no fuyu wa reinen ni kurabete atatakai.
   • "This winter is warm compared to an average year."
4. 日本の電車は他の国に比べて時間に正確だ。
   • Nihon no densha wa hoka no kuni ni kurabete jikan ni seikaku da.
   • "Japanese trains are punctual compared to those in other countries."
5. 彼は兄に比べて背が高い。
   • Kare wa ani ni kurabete se ga takai.
   • "He is tall compared to his older brother."

Formal vs. Informal Usage

• Formal:
  • 御社のサービスは他社に比べて優れています。
    • Onsha no sābisu wa tasha ni kurabete sugurete imasu.
    • "Your company's services are superior compared to other companies."
• Informal:
  • 俺に比べて、君は運がいいね。
    • Ore ni kurabete, kimi wa un ga ii ne.
    • "Compared to me, you're lucky."

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, making direct negative comparisons can be considered impolite.
• Use ～に比べて carefully to avoid offending someone; focus on neutral or positive attributes when possible.
• Humility is valued, so comparing oneself favorably over others may be frowned upon.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 猫に比べて犬は忠実だ。
  • Neko ni kurabete inu wa chūjitsu da.
  • "Dogs are loyal compared to cats."
• 昔に比べて、生活が便利になった。
  • Mukashi ni kurabete, seikatsu ga benri ni natta.
  • "Life has become convenient compared to the past."

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Particle
   • Incorrect: 今年は去年と比べて寒いです。
   • Correct: 今年は去年に比べて寒いです。
   • Explanation: Use に比べて, not と比べて, for this expression.
2. Incorrect Word Order
   • Incorrect: に比べて彼は弟背が低いです。
   • Correct: 彼は弟に比べて背が低いです。
   • Explanation: The person being compared comes after に比べて.

Learning Strategies

• Remember the Verb: 比べて comes from 比べる (kuraberu), which means "to compare."
• Particle Practice: Associate に with the reference point in comparisons.
• Visualize Comparisons: When using ～に比べて, imagine placing [Noun A] on one side and [Noun B] on the other for comparison.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～に比べて is used to compare two items, meaning "compared to".
• The structure is [Noun A] に比べて [Noun B / Phrase].
• Be mindful of politeness and cultural nuances when making comparisons.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the correct particle: 夏___比べて冬は涼しいです。
   Answer

   夏**に**比べて冬は涼しいです。
2. True or False: It's acceptable to use と比べて instead of に比べて.
   Answer

   False. The correct particle is **に** as in **に比べて**.
3. Correct the mistake in the sentence: この車は古い車よりに比べて高いです。
   Answer

   Remove **より**: *この車は古い車に比べて高いです。*

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By mastering ～に比べて, you'll be able to express comparisons effectively in Japanese, enriching your conversations and descriptions.

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