Translation guide
English 'than' is used for comparisons. Japanese expresses comparison through sentence patterns, not a single word. The most common pattern uses より (yori) after the comparison standard, or のほうが (no hō ga) to mark the superior item. Word order differs from English.
A is bigger than B
I like A more than B
Express that one item has more of a quality than another.
The standard pattern: A is more X than B. より marks the comparison standard (B).
Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
This book is more interesting than that one.
Emphasizes A as the superior choice. のほうが marks the preferred item.
Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
Question form: Which is more X, A or B?
Which do you like better, dogs or cats?
Compare two actions or states using verbs or adjectives.
For comparing actions, nominalize verbs with の or こと. より marks the less preferred action.
Running is faster than walking.
Express 'more than' a number or amount.
Means 'more than' or 'or more' when attached to a number. Often used with は.
Express preference for one option over another.
Emphasizes B as the preferred choice, often with むしろ (rather).
I'd rather read a book than watch a movie.
Express that one action happens immediately after another.
Formal/literary pattern meaning 'no sooner than'. Used in writing.
There is no single Japanese word for 'than'. The comparison is built into the sentence structure using particles like より and ほう. Avoid trying to insert a word where 'than' would be in English.
He is taller than me.
より marks the standard of comparison (the 'lesser' item). のほうが marks the superior item. You can use both in one sentence for emphasis, but often one is omitted.
I like reading books more than watching TV.
More than 1000 yen is expensive.
More than 10 people came.
Expresses that B is better than A, often when both are undesirable. まし means 'better (of two bad options)'.
Being absent is better than being late.
No sooner had he arrived home than it started raining.
Common pattern for 'just as soon as' or 'the moment'. More conversational than や否や.
The moment I left the house, it started raining.
I like tea more than coffee.