Translation guide
Expresses that someone or something is lower in quality, ability, rank, or value compared to another. Japanese uses various adjectives, verbs, and set phrases depending on what aspect is inferior.
To say that something or someone is not as good as another in terms of quality, skill, or overall worth.
A direct and common way to say 'be inferior to'. The thing being compared is marked with より.
This product is inferior in quality to that one.
His ability is inferior to his older brother's.
Literally 'does not reach the level of'. Used to say something falls short of a standard or another thing.
This translation does not match the beauty of the original.
Means 'not as ... as'. Used to say something is not as good, big, etc. as another.
This movie is not as interesting as the previous one.
The te-iru form of 劣る, often used to describe a state of being inferior.
His skills are still inferior.
To express that someone holds a lower position or rank in a hierarchy.
To say that a quantity or number is smaller or less than another.
To express that something is considered less valuable or significant.
劣る is the most direct translation of 'be inferior to' and can be used in many contexts. 及ばない emphasizes not reaching a certain level or standard. ほどではない is a softer, more colloquial way to say 'not as ... as' and is often used with adjectives.
English 'be inferior to' can sound stiff or formal. In casual Japanese, it's often more natural to use 〜ほど〜ない or 〜より〜ない constructions rather than 劣る, which can sound literary or technical.
目下の人にも丁寧に接する。
Treat even those inferior in status politely.