Processing keyword: A は B より～ (A wa B yori～)

Japanese Grammar Point: A は B より～ (A wa B yori～)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point AはBより～ (A wa B yori ～). This structure is commonly used to make comparisons between two things, indicating that A is more ~ than B. Understanding how to compare items is essential for daily conversations and expressing preferences in Japanese.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• AはBより～ translates to "A is more ~ than B".
• It emphasizes that A possesses a greater degree of a certain quality compared to B.

Structure

The basic structure is:

A は B より adjective/adverb/verb

• A: The subject or item that has more of the quality.
• は: Topic marker particle.
• B: The subject or item being compared to.
• より: Comparative particle meaning "than".
• adjective/adverb/verb: The quality or action being compared.

Formation Diagram

Component	Role
A	Subject with the greater quality
は (wa)	Topic marker
B	Subject being compared
より (yori)	Comparative particle ("than")
～	Adjective, adverb, or verb

Visual Aid

[A] は [B] より [adjective/adverb/verb]

• A is more [adjective/adverb/verb] than B.

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing with Similar Grammar Points

1. AよりBのほうが～ (A yori B no hō ga ～)
   • Meaning: "B is more ~ than A"
   • Structure emphasizes B rather than A.
   • Example:
     • 夏より冬のほうが好きです。
       • Translation: I like winter more than summer.
2. ～ほど～ない (～ hodo ~ nai)
   • Meaning: "Not as ~ as"
   • Used to express that something is not to the same degree as something else.
   • Example:
     • 私の車は彼の車ほど速くない。
       • Translation: My car is not as fast as his car.

Note: While AはBより～ focuses on A being superior in some aspect, AよりBのほうが～ shifts the emphasis to B.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Speech

1. この問題はその問題より難しいです。
   • Kono mondai wa sono mondai yori muzukashii desu.
   • Translation: This problem is more difficult than that one.
2. 日本は韓国より安全だと思います。
   • Nihon wa Kankoku yori anzen da to omoimasu.
   • Translation: I think Japan is safer than Korea.

Informal Speech

3. 君は僕より背が高いね。
   • Kimi wa boku yori se ga takai ne.
   • Translation: You're taller than me, huh.
4. 今日は昨日より元気だ。
   • Kyō wa kinō yori genki da.
   • Translation: I'm feeling better today than yesterday.

Written Language

5. 新製品は旧モデルより性能が向上しています。
   • Shinseihin wa kyū moderu yori seinō ga kōjō shite imasu.
   • Translation: The new product has improved performance compared to the old model.
6. 彼の作品は前作より評価が高い。
   • Kare no sakuhin wa zensaku yori hyōka ga takai.
   • Translation: His work is rated higher than his previous work.

Spoken Language

7. この道はあの道より早く着くよ。
   • Kono michi wa ano michi yori hayaku tsuku yo.
   • Translation: You'll arrive faster via this road than that one.
8. このジュースはあれより甘い。
   • Kono jūsu wa are yori amai.
   • Translation: This juice is sweeter than that one.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• In Japanese culture, making direct comparisons can sometimes be considered impolite, especially if it might offend someone.
• When comparing people, it's common to be indirect or use softer language to maintain harmony (和, wa).

Levels of Politeness

• The basic structure AはBより～ is neutral; politeness is conveyed through verb endings and context.
• Example of polite form:
  • この料理はあの料理よりおいしいです。
• Example of casual form:
  • この料理はあの料理よりおいしい。

Idiomatic Expressions

• 人より (hito yori): Meaning "more than others" or "exceptionally".
  • Example: 彼は人より努力した。
    • Translation: He worked harder than others.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Reversing A and B
   • Mistake: Confusing which item is A and which is B.
   • Remember: A is the item that has more of the quality, B is what it's being compared to.
   • Incorrect: 大阪は東京より大きいです。
     • Translation: Osaka is bigger than Tokyo. (But Tokyo is bigger.)
   • Correct: 東京は大阪より大きいです。
     • Translation: Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
2. Omitting Particles
   • Mistake: Leaving out the particle は or より, which can confuse the meaning.
   • Ensure all particles are included for clarity.

Learning Strategies

• Practice with Familiar Items: Use objects or people you know to make sentences.
• Create Comparison Lists: Write lists comparing two items to reinforce the structure.
• Visual Associations: Draw arrows pointing from B to A to remember that A surpasses B in the quality.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• AはBより～ is used to state that A has more of a quality than B.
• The particle より means "than" and is essential in comparative sentences.
• Proper placement of A and B is crucial to convey the correct meaning.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: Translate to Japanese: "This movie is longer than that movie."
   • Answer: この映画はあの映画より長いです。
2. Question: In the sentence 彼は私より若いです, who is older?
   • Answer: I am older; he is younger than me.
3. Question: What role does より play in the comparative structure?
   • Answer: より acts as the comparative particle meaning "than".

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By mastering the AはBより～ structure, you'll enhance your ability to compare and describe differences in Japanese, making your communication more precise and effective.

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