Grammar: Comparing (より、ほう) Grammar for N4 | Examples & Quiz
Learn Grammar: Comparing (より、ほう) for N4 with simple rules, Japanese examples, romaji, English meanings, common mistakes, practice prompts, and a mini quiz.
When deciding between two things, Japanese grammar uses a distinct 'target and prefer' structure rather than using 'er' words (like fast-er).
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。
Listen and repeat slowly
English Meaning
I like dogs more than cats.
Nepali Meaning
मलाई बिरालाभन्दा कुकुर बढी मन पर्छ।
Romaji
Practice with kana
Level
JLPT N4
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。 | I like dogs more than cats. | ||
| くるま ___ でんしゃ で いくほうが はやいです。 | Going by train is faster than going by car. | ||
| あしたは きょう ___ さむくなると おもいます。 | I think tomorrow will be colder than today. | ||
| りんご ___ みかんの ほうが すきです。 | I like oranges more than apples. | ||
| にほんごより えいごの ___ が むずかしいです。 | English is more difficult than Japanese. | ||
| コーヒーと おちゃと、___ が いいですか。 | Which is better, coffee or tea? | ||
| クラスで マリアさんが ___ あたまが いいです。 | Maria is the smartest in the class. |
How To Use It
Use Comparing correctly
Simple Explanation
Use this pattern when you need to connect an idea clearly in a JLPT N4 sentence. Learn the pattern first, then read several examples until the order feels natural.
Sentence Structure
ねこより いぬの [correct form / particle] が すきです。
Start with this simple structure before making longer sentences.
When To Use
Use it in beginner reading, short answers, daily-life examples, and JLPT review questions where the topic appears naturally.
When Not To Use
Do not force it into every sentence. If another word, particle, or grammar pattern expresses the idea more naturally, choose that instead.
- Japanese learners grow faster when they notice how this topic appears in everyday routines, classroom language, and common study examples.
- Even simple grammar lessons become more memorable when students connect them to real situations instead of treating them like a word list only.
Open the full beginner explanation
より (Yori) - The Baseline 'Than'
より (Yori) is placed after the noun you are comparing AGAINST. It literally means 'compared to'.
- 'Neko yori' = Compared to cats / Than cats.
ほう (Hou) - The Preferred Side
ほう (Hou) is used to indicate the side/choice that 'is more'.
- 'Inu no hou ga suki desu' = The dog side is liked / I prefer dogs.
Combining Them
Structure: [A] no hou ga [B] yori [Adjective] desu. Wait, B yori comes first often! Japanese is flexible. Usually: [B] yori [A] no hou ga... (Compared to B, A is...)
- 'Neko yori Inu no hou ga suki desu' (Compared to cats, I like dogs).
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
ねこより いぬの [correct form / particle] が すきです。
Pattern 2
Topic + particle + Comparing
Pattern 3
Known word + Comparing + new sentence
Pattern 4
Short sentence first, then add details slowly
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
肉より魚のほうが好きです。
Niku yori sakana no hou ga suki desu.
English
I like fish more than meat.
Nepali
मलाई मासुभन्दा माछा बढी मन पर्छ।
- Focus: 肉より魚のほうが好きです。
- Meaning: I like fish more than meat.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
東京のほうが大阪より大きいです。
Toukyou no hou ga Oosaka yori ookii desu.
English
Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
Nepali
टोकियो ओसाकाभन्दा ठूलो छ।
- Focus: 東京のほうが大阪より大きいです。
- Meaning: Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "I like dogs more than cats."
Correct
Read ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize Grammar: Comparing (より、ほう) only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "I like dogs more than cats."
Correct
Read ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Reviewing the list once and assuming the lesson is finished without testing recall later.
Mistake 3
Wrong
Memorize only: "I like dogs more than cats."
Correct
Read ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Skipping speaking or writing practice, which makes the lesson harder to use actively.
Practice Section
Turn passive reading into active memory
Task 1
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence: ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。 means I like dogs more than cats..
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。 before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: I like dogs more than cats..
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use Grammar: Comparing (より、ほう) naturally.
- Review the lesson once without notes, then check what you missed.
- Explain the main meaning of this topic in simple English as if teaching another beginner.
Self-check before moving on
- Can I explain the main purpose of Grammar: Comparing (より、ほう) without reading the notes?
- Can I use at least one example from this lesson in my own sentence?
- Can I come back tomorrow and still remember the key meaning or pattern?
Mini Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. Choose the best answer for: ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。
Q2. Choose the best answer for: くるま ___ でんしゃ で いくほうが はやいです。
Q3. Choose the best answer for: あしたは きょう ___ さむくなると おもいます。
Q4. Choose the best answer for: りんご ___ みかんの ほうが すきです。
Q5. Choose the best answer for: にほんごより えいごの ___ が むずかしいです。
Q6. Choose the best answer for: コーヒーと おちゃと、___ が いいですか。
Q7. Choose the best answer for: クラスで マリアさんが ___ あたまが いいです。
Q8. What does 肉より魚のほうが好きです。 mean?
Show answer key
- ほう
- より
- より
- より
- ほう
- どちら
- いちばん
- I like fish more than meat.
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。？
B: はい、ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。です。
practice reading - I like dogs more than cats.
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。 during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use ねこより いぬの ___ が すきです。 when the meaning "I like dogs more than cats." appears in a simple real situation.
Use Grammar: Comparing (より、ほう) in a short real-life scene
Imagine you are studying or interacting in a simple daily situation where JLPT N4 Japanese is enough. Your goal is to use this lesson clearly and naturally, not perfectly.
- Create one short scene that includes Grammar: Comparing (より、ほう).
- Say or write two useful lines connected to the topic.
- Review what felt difficult and repeat the scene one more time with better accuracy.
FAQ
Common beginner questions
Can I use 'Yori' by itself?
Yes! If the context is obvious, you can just say 'Kore yori ookii desu' (It is bigger than this one).
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
Comparing becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
ねこより いぬの [correct form / particle] が すきです。
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- 肉より魚のほうが好きです。 - I like fish more than meat.
- 東京のほうが大阪より大きいです。 - Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.