Japanese grammar
What does ～というより mean? Japanese grammar N3
～というより means rather than ~; more like ~ than ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + というより N／な形 + （だ）+ というより |
| Romaji | toiuyori |
| Meaning | rather than ~; more like ~ than ~ |
Forming it
| Noun | 趣味 → 趣味というより |
|---|---|
| Adjective | 狭い → 狭いというより |
How to use it
Compares two ways of describing something and picks the more accurate one. Both clauses are the speaker's OWN OBSERVATION.
- 「AというよりB」 = calling it A isn't as accurate as calling it B. The clause after often has 「むしろ」: 「彼は厳しいというより、むしろ冷たい」.
- Both A and B must describe the SAME subject and be the same type of observation — not used to compare two different people or things.
- Nouns and na-adjectives can drop 「だ」: 「趣味というより仕事だ」.
Examples
この部屋は狭いというより、居心地がいいと言うべきだ。
Rather than cramped, this room should be called cozy.
彼にとって料理は趣味というより、むしろ仕事だ。
For him, cooking is not so much a hobby as a job.
Keep in mind
- Both clauses describe the same subject.
- The following clause often pairs with 「むしろ」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong彼は先生というより、私は学生です。
Rather than calling him a teacher, I am the student.
Correct彼は先生というより、研究者だ。
Both clauses must describe the SAME subject.
-
Wrong静かというよりだ、寂しい。
It would be more accurate to say quiet rather than desolate.
Correct静かというより、寂しい。
After 「というより」, connect the observation directly, without adding 「だ」.
Exam tips
- 「AというよりB」 = calling it B is more accurate; often paired with 「むしろ」.