より良い
yoriyoi
The English phrase "something is better" can be translated into Japanese as より良い (yoriyoi).
This phrase is used to describe a thing that is of a higher quality or more desirable than another. It functions as an adjective phrase for comparing two things, which can be used as a predicate or followed by a noun. If you want to express the sense of "a better thing" exists, you can add the noun mono to the phrase to create より良いもの. To emphasize that something is the best, you can place the word 一番 before the adjective.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb yori (more) and the adjective yoi (good).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective phrase, より良い is used to compare two things. In formal contexts, you may use the expression 〜よりも良い to convey superiority. In informal situations, the phrase 〜の方がいい is often used to express that something is better.
How do you pronounce it?
yoriyoi
Did you know?
- The adjective yoi is so central to Japanese quality that the word for 'good' can also mean 'sufficient'. This means telling someone something is 'better' or 'good' can actually be a polite way to say 'no thank you' to more of something.
- When using 〜の方がいい to say one thing is better, the particle hou literally means 'direction'. You are essentially saying that the 'direction' of your preference leans toward that object.
- The adjective yoi (good) actually has two distinct pronunciations, yoi and ii, and they cannot be used interchangeably in all grammatical forms.
Examples in context
- お茶の方がコーヒーよりいいです。Tea is better than coffee.
- このレストランの料理は他のレストランよりも良いです。The food at this restaurant is better than at other restaurants.
- この映画の方が面白い！This movie is better (more interesting)!
- 彼の新しいバンド、以前のバンドの方がいいと思う。I think his new band is worse than the previous one.
- あの店のサービスは速いですが、この店の方が良い。That shop's service is fast, but this shop is better.
- このパン屋さんのパンは一番美味しい！The bread from this bakery is the best!
- 新しいデザインの方がより良いですね。atarashii dezain no hou ga yori yoi desu ne.The new design is better, isn't it?
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are discussing which hotel to book for a trip.
- 蓮 Renこのホテルはどうかな？kono hoteru wa dou kana?How about this hotel?
- 美咲 Misakiもうちょっとより良いところを探そう。mou chotto yori yoi tokoro o sagasou.Let's look for a slightly better place.
- 蓮 Renじゃあ、別のサイトで見てみるよ。jaa, betsu no saito de mite miru yo.Okay, I'll check another site.
- 美咲 Misakiお願い、蓮さん。onegai, Ren-san.Please do, Ren.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry より良い, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
