Translation guide
The English word 'greater' is used to compare size, amount, degree, or importance. In Japanese, comparison is expressed through sentence patterns rather than a single adjective. The most common pattern uses より (yori) or のほうが (no hō ga).
To say that one thing is larger, more, or more important than another.
This is the standard way to say 'A is more [adjective] than B'. The adjective is in its plain form.
東京は大阪より大きいです。
Tokyo is greater (bigger) than Osaka.
This problem is greater (more important) than the previous one.
This pattern emphasizes A as the greater one. It literally means 'Compared to B, A's side is more [adjective]'.
大阪より東京のほうが大きいです。
Tokyo is greater (bigger) than Osaka.
When 'greater' means physically larger, you can use より大きい. This is a direct translation but less common than the full pattern.
この箱はあの箱より大きい。
This box is greater (bigger) than that box.
To express a greater quantity, degree, or extent.
もっと means 'more' and is used with adjectives or verbs to indicate a greater degree. It is very common in spoken Japanese.
もっと大きい声で話してください。
Please speak in a greater (louder) voice.
もっと勉強する必要がある。
I need to study more (to a greater extent).
さらに means 'even more' or 'furthermore', often used in formal or written contexts to indicate a greater degree.
一層 is a formal adverb meaning 'still more' or 'even greater'. It is often used in written language.
To say something is more important or significant.
より重要 is the direct way to say 'more important'. It can be used in various sentence patterns.
健康はお金より重要です。
Health is greater (more important) than money.
優先する means 'to prioritize' or 'give greater importance to'. It is a verb used when one thing takes precedence over another.
安全を優先してください。
Please give greater priority to safety.
To indicate a number larger than a given value.
以上 means 'or more' or 'greater than or equal to'. It is attached directly after a number.
10人以上の参加者が来ました。
A greater number than 10 participants came (10 or more).
This pattern explicitly says 'more than [number]'. It is used when you want to emphasize the comparison.
20人より多い人が集まった。
A greater number than 20 people gathered.
To refer to a larger, more important purpose or benefit for many people.
This is a direct translation of 'greater good', used in philosophical or ethical contexts. It is not an everyday phrase.
より大きな善のために行動する。
Act for the greater good.
公益 means 'public interest' or 'common good'. It is used in formal contexts to refer to the greater benefit of society.
公益を優先する。
Prioritize the greater good (public interest).
English 'greater' is often used as a standalone adjective, but Japanese requires a comparison structure. Simply saying 大きい (big) does not convey the comparative meaning. Use patterns like より or のほうが to make a proper comparison.
彼の力は私より大きい。
His power is greater than mine.
Both patterns express comparison, but のほうが emphasizes the subject. AはBより大きい is neutral; BよりAのほうが大きい puts focus on A being the greater one. In conversation, のほうが is often used when making a choice or stating a preference.
We need greater (more detailed) information.
努力を一層強化する。
We will strengthen our efforts to a greater degree.