には及ばないDoes not measure up to
Says that one person or thing does not reach the level of a stated benchmark. It directly presents the first as inferior in ability, quality, scale, achievement, or a similar area.
How the comparison works
The noun immediately before には及ばない is the benchmark—the person or thing whose level is not reached. The verb 及ぶ here means “reach” or “equal,” so the negative form makes an explicit judgment of inferiority rather than merely introducing a comparison.
Modest self-assessment
技能では、私は先輩には及ばない。
In terms of skill, I do not measure up to my senior colleague.
Analyze技能では identifies the area being compared, while 先輩 is the benchmark.
Clear evaluation contexts
The comparison reading is especially natural when the sentence names a measurable area such as durability, scale, experience, or results.
耐久性では、この素材は航空機用合金には及ばない。
In durability, this material does not measure up to aircraft-grade alloy.
Analyze今回の大会の規模は、前回の全国大会には及ばなかった。
The scale of this tournament fell short of the previous national tournament.
Analyze研究実績では、当研究所は海外の主要機関には及びません。
In research achievements, our institute does not measure up to the leading institutions overseas.
AnalyzeKeep the neighboring patterns separate
The identical written form には及ばない has a separate “there is no need” reading when the preceding material presents an action or concern rather than a comparison benchmark. By contrast, とは比べものにならない expresses a much greater, often categorical gap: the two are hardly comparable. The more neutral に比べて merely sets up a comparison; the rest of the sentence must say whether something is better, worse, larger, or smaller.
More examples
技術では、私はまだ師匠には及ばない。
In technique, I still do not measure up to my teacher.
Analyze売上高は、過去最高だった一昨年には及ばなかった。
Sales fell short of the record set the year before last.
Analyze防音性能では、この製品も業務用モデルには及ばない。
In soundproofing performance, this product also falls short of the commercial model.
Analyze彼女の演奏は見事だったが、表現の深さでは恩師には及ばない。
Her performance was excellent, but in depth of expression she does not measure up to her former teacher.
Analyze調査の規模では、今回の報告書は前回の全国調査には及びません。
In scale, the current report does not measure up to the previous nationwide survey.
Analyze地域での知名度は大手企業には及ばないものの、利用者の満足度は高い。
Although its local name recognition does not measure up to that of major companies, user satisfaction is high.
Analyze