と比べて
to kurabete
The Japanese phrase for "compared to" is と比べて (to kurabete).
You can create a very common and interchangeable variation by replacing the particle と with に, resulting in に比べて.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For objective comparisons in formal speech, you can use Hikaku suru to. In academic, technical or business writing, the form と比較して is more appropriate. Additionally, the structure X ni kurabete, Y no hou ga is used in formal presentations and writing to express contrast.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the conditional form と比べると (instead of the te-form) emphasizes the result or the realization that follows the comparison. Using the conditional form と比べれば places more emphasis on the hypothetical or conditional nature of the comparison.
How do you pronounce it?
to kurabete
Did you know?
- In many Japanese business settings, using the overly polite to hikaku shite instead of the standard to kurabete can sometimes sound clinical or robotic, almost like a computer processing data.
- The kanji 比 used in 比較 ('hikaku') also appears in the word 比率 ('hiritsu'), meaning 'ratio'. This links the concept of comparing two things directly to the mathematical concept of a proportion.
- While English uses 'compared to' as a prepositional phrase, Japanese treats the comparison as an action performed by the speaker through the verb 'kuraberu' (to compare).
Examples in context
- 去年と比べて、今年は暑いですね。kyonen to kurabete, kotoshi wa atsui desu ne.Compared to last year, it is hot this year, isn't it?
- 前の店と比べて、ここは安いです。mae no mise to kurabete, koko wa yasui desu.Compared to the previous shop, this place is cheap.
- 兄と比べて、弟はとても静かです。ani to kurabete, otouto wa totemo shizuka desu.Compared to his older brother, the younger brother is very quiet.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are talking about the weather in a park.
- 健太 Kenta昨日と比べて、今日は風が強いですね。kinou to kurabete, kyou wa kaze ga tsuyoi desu ne.Compared to yesterday, the wind is strong today, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、少し肌寒いですね。hai, sukoshi hadazamui desu ne.Yes, it's a little chilly, isn't it?
- 健太 Kenta陽葵さんは、寒いの大丈夫ですか？himari-san wa, samui no daijoubu desu ka?Himari, are you okay with the cold?
- 陽葵 Himari大丈夫ですよ、健太さん。daijoubu desu yo, kenta-san.I'm fine, Kenta.
