Japanese grammar
What does ～に比べて mean? Japanese grammar N3
～に比べて means compared to/with ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + に比べて N + に比べ（written form） clause + の + に比べて |
| Romaji | nikurabete |
| Meaning | compared to/with ~ |
Forming it
| Noun | 去年 → 去年に比べて |
|---|---|
| Clause | 話す → 話すのに比べて |
How to use it
Takes A as the standard of comparison, then states B's distinguishing feature. Neutral, without surprise.
- 「Aに比べてB」 = compared to A, B. Both clauses must be the same type to be comparable: 「去年に比べて、今年は雨が多い」.
- A clause must be nominalized with 「の」: 「聞くのに比べて、話すのは難しい」.
- Different from 「より」: 「より」 is used in a direct comparison sentence 「AよりBのほうが」; 「に比べて」 states the comparison background before commenting, more suited to written language.
Examples
去年に比べて、今年は雨が多い。
Compared to last year, there is more rain this year.
聞くのに比べて、話すほうがずっと難しい。
Compared to listening, speaking is much harder.
Keep in mind
- A clause needs 「の」 before 「に比べて」.
- Both sides being compared must be the same kind of thing.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong話すに比べて、聞くのは簡単だ。
Listening is easier compared to speaking.
Correct話すのに比べて、聞くのは簡単だ。
A verb must be nominalized with 「の」.
-
Wrongこのトマトは赤いトマトに比べておいしくない。
Compared to that red tomato, this tomato isn't tasty.
Correctこのトマトは、あの赤いトマトに比べておいしくない。
The standard of comparison must specify a concrete subject, not a vague general one.
Exam tips
- 「に比べて」 = compared to (neutral); a clause needs 「の」.