比べる
kuraberu[kɯ̟ɾa̠be̞ɾɯ̟]
In Japanese, 'compare' can be expressed as 比べる (kuraberu) or 比較する.
Meaning: to assess the similarities between two things or between one thing and another (verb)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 比べる | kuraberu | [kɯ̟ɾa̠be̞ɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 比較する | hikaku suru |
Both terms are used to assess the similarities or differences between two things or between one thing and another. 比べる is a versatile verb used to mean 'to compare' or 'to contrast'.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 比較する is constructed from the noun 比較 (hikaku), meaning 'comparison' and the verb する (suru), meaning 'to do'.
Which one should you use?
比べる is used for everyday comparisons in daily life, whereas 比較する is the preferred choice for academic, technical or business contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the passive form 比べられる to say 'to be compared'. To express a relative difference, such as 'when compared to [X], [Y] is…', use the form 比べると ('when compared to'). Additionally, the te-form of 比較する is 比較して.
How do you pronounce it?
kuraberu
Did you know?
- The kanji in 比べる, composed of two 'side-by-side' radicals, visually represents the act of placing two things next to each other to see how they measure up.
- In Japanese culture, explicitly using 比較する to compare two people's abilities or status can sometimes be perceived as insensitive or a social faux pas, depending on the context.
- Japanese has a specific word 比べる for comparing two items, but when people talk about a 'comparison' in the sense of a competition or rivalry, they often use the word 競う instead.
Examples in context
- ２台のオートバイを比較するべきだ。You should compare the two motorcycles.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 比較する regarding motorcycles.Tatoeba #235429 by arnab, translation #72807 by CK
- 複写と原文を比べるCompare the copy and the originalThis sentence shows how to use 比べる when comparing a copy to an original.
- この論文では、ドイツとオランダの民間伝承を比較する。In this paper, I compare the folklores of Germany and Holland.This sentence demonstrates the use of 比較する in an academic context regarding folklore.Tatoeba #219150 by mookeee, translation #56466 by CN
- この商品を他のブランドと比較してくださいPlease compare this product with other brands.
- 彼らの生活様式を比較・対照して研究したI compared and contrasted their lifestyles for the study.
- この二つの映画を比べて、どちらが好きですか？Comparing these two movies, which one do you like?
- 彼の意見と事実とを対比して考えるConsidering the contrast between his opinion and the facts.
- 彼女の才能を他の人と比べるのは公平ではありません。It's not fair to compare her talent with other people's.
- 日本の文化とアメリカの文化を比べると、違いがたくさんあります。When you compare Japanese culture and American culture, there are many differences.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are shopping for a new smartphone.
- 健太 Kentaどのスマホがいいかな？Dono sumaho ga ii kana?I wonder which smartphone is good?
- 結衣 Yuiスペックを比べるのがいいよ。Supekku o kuraberu no ga ii yo.It's best to compare the specs.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね。こことあっちを比べるよ。Sou da ne. Koko to acchi o kuraberu yo.You're right. I'll compare this one and that one.
- 結衣 Yuiそれがいいと思うよ。Sore ga ii to omou yo.I think that's a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compare” translations and entries 比べる, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
