Translation guide
Expresses preference or contrast between two options. In Japanese, this is typically handled with comparative structures like より, よりも, or むしろ, depending on whether you are stating a simple comparison, a strong preference, or a correction.
To state that one thing is more the case than another, or to choose one over another in a neutral comparison.
The basic comparative structure. Place the less preferred or lesser item before より, and the more preferred or greater item after. Word order is flexible but often BのほうがAより… or AよりBのほうが…
Cars are faster than trains.
I like fish rather than meat.
Slightly more emphatic or formal than より alone. Often used in writing or careful speech.
They emphasize quantity rather than quality.
To express that one thing is preferable or more accurate, often contradicting an assumption or previous statement. Equivalent to 'rather' or 'instead' in English.
Adverb meaning 'rather', 'instead', or 'on the contrary'. Used to present a stronger or more accurate alternative.
Rather than being sad, he was angry.
Combines the comparative より with むしろ for a clear 'rather than A, B' structure.
Let's go by bicycle rather than by car.
Adverb meaning 'on the contrary' or 'rather', often used when the result is opposite to expectations. More formal/literary than むしろ.
To express that you prefer to do one action instead of another. Often used with verbs.
Use the dictionary form of verbs before より. The preferred action comes after. Often followed by ほうがいい or a decision expression.
It's better to walk rather than take a taxi.
Rather than give up, let's start over.
Expresses a strong preference: 'If it's a matter of V1, I'd rather V2'. Implies V1 is undesirable.
Rather than ask a guy like that, I'll do it myself.
より is a particle that marks the standard of comparison (like 'than'). むしろ is an adverb meaning 'rather' or 'instead'. Use より for neutral comparisons, and むしろ when you want to emphasize a preference or correction.
I like tea more than coffee. (neutral)
I prefer tea rather than coffee. (emphatic)
English 'rather than' often corresponds to より or むしろ, but the word order is reversed. In Japanese, the less preferred item comes first. Avoid literal translations like 'むしろより'.
I'd rather stay home than go out.
Rather than complain, let's find a solution.
He is more lazy than stupid.
Rather, I should be the one to apologize.
薬を飲んだら、かえって具合が悪くなった。
Taking the medicine made me feel worse rather than better.