Understanding Japanese Comparatives and Superlatives
In Japanese, we use special words and structures to compare things, just like in English. We can say something is bigger, smaller, or the biggest of all. Let's learn how to do this in Japanese!
To say something is 'more' or 'less' than something else, we use the word 'yori' (より). This is like saying 'than' in English.
Examples
- ねこはいぬよりちいさいです。 (The cat is smaller than the dog.)
- このほんはあのほんよりおもしろいです。 (This book is more interesting than that book.)
To say something is the 'most' or 'least' among many things, we use 'ichiban' (一番). This is like saying 'the most' or 'the best' in English.
Examples
- このりんごは一番おおきいです。 (This apple is the biggest.)
- かれは一番はやいです。 (He is the fastest.)
Important Points
- Comparatives use 'yori' (より) to show one thing is more or less than another.
- Superlatives use 'ichiban' (一番) to show something is the most or least among many.
- Always put 'yori' after the thing you are comparing to.
- Use 'ichiban' before the adjective to show it is the best or most.
Now you know how to compare things in Japanese! Practice by making your own sentences comparing your favorite things.