より
Meanings
Marks the standard of comparison in comparative sentences.
Today is hotter than yesterday.
rather than; instead of; over; above
Expresses preference or choice of one thing over another.
The bus is cheaper than the train.
I'd rather read a book at home than play outside.
from; out of; since; at; on (and after)
Indicates a starting point in time or space, often in formal or written contexts.
The meeting will start from 2 p.m.
It is a five-minute walk from the station.
Used with a negative predicate to mean 'nothing but' or 'no choice but'. Often in patterns like よりほかに...ない or よりしかたがない.
There is no way other than doing it like this.
Adverbial use meaning 'more', often in the pattern より+adjective or in set phrases like より良い.
We strive for a better future.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉は〈物〉より〈形容詞〉X is more [adjective] than Y
This book is more interesting than that one.
- 〈物〉より〈物〉のほうが好きだto prefer Y over X
I like tea more than coffee.
- 〈時〉より始まるto start from a certain time
The meeting starts from 9 o'clock.
- 〈動詞〉よりほかにないto have no choice but to do something
There is nothing to do but give up.
- より〈形容詞〉more [adjective] (formal/written)
I strive for a better result.