Translation guide
Expresses comparison of quantity, degree, or exceeding a threshold. Japanese uses several patterns depending on what is being compared and the sentence structure.
To say that something has a greater amount, number, or degree compared to something else.
The standard comparative pattern. Place the adjective after より. For nouns, use のほうが for emphasis.
Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
This book is more interesting than that one.
Emphasizes A as the one with more of the quality. Often used in responses or contrasts.
I like summer more than winter.
Reversed order, still emphasizing A. Common in conversation.
Today is hotter than yesterday.
To indicate a quantity exceeding a specific number or amount.
Means 'more than or equal to' a number. Often used in formal contexts. For strict 'more than' (excluding the number), use 超 (ちょう) or を超える.
There were more than 100 participants.
This job requires more than 5 years of experience.
Strictly 'exceeds' the number, not including it. More formal/literary than 以上.
The temperature exceeded 40 degrees.
Suffix meaning 'over' a number, used in technical or business contexts (e.g., 100超). Less common in daily speech.
Profits increased by more than 10%.
To express that something exceeds expectations, a standard, or a limit.
Means 'more than (noun)' or 'beyond (noun)'. Used with adjectives or verbs.
He was younger than I imagined.
I ate more than necessary.
Verb suffix meaning 'too much' or 'overdo'. Conveys exceeding a desirable limit.
I ate too much.
Adjective suffix meaning 'too (adjective)'. Indicates an excessive degree.
This soup is too hot.
To express that something is the most or above all others.
To express a limit or maximum, often with negative implication.
Means 'only' or 'no more than'. The verb must be negative. Emphasizes scarcity.
I have no more than 100 yen.
Means 'only' or 'just'. Neutral statement of limitation, without the negative nuance of しか.
Please wait just 5 more minutes.
以上 (いじょう) includes the reference number (≥). 超 (ちょう) and を超える (をこえる) mean strictly greater than (>). 超 is a suffix used mainly in writing, while を超える is a verb phrase suitable for both speech and writing.
English 'more than' before adjectives (e.g., 'more than happy') does not directly translate to Japanese. Use expressions like とても (very) or この上なく (extremely) instead. The comparative pattern より is for comparing two things, not for intensifying adjectives.
I like coffee more than tea.
It costs more than 10,000 yen.
She is more than a friend to me.
Don't work too much.