Japanese word

より

Pronunciation

Romajiyori

Meaning

  • particlethan ___, than

Example

今日は昨日より暑いです。kyō wa kinō yo ri atsu i de su

Today is hotter than yesterday.

Illustration for より (than ___)

More examples

犬より猫が好きです。inu yo ri neko ga su ki de su

I like cats more than dogs.

このかばんはあのかばんより軽いです。ko no ka ba n wa a no ka ba n yo ri karu i de su

This bag is lighter than that bag.

Core concept

Places one item on a scale in relation to another item used as the basis for comparison.

Common phrases

  • これより大きいko re yo ri ō ki i

    bigger than this

  • 去年より少ないkyo nen yo ri suku na i

    fewer than last year

Similar words

ほどhodo: Marks a degree or extent used as a reference point, especially in negative comparisons.

Definition in Japanese

あるものを比較の基準として取り上げることを示す助詞。a ru mo no o hi kaku no ki jun to shi te to ri a ge ru ko to o shime su jo shi

Word origin

The comparative meaning of より (yori, "from") grew from the particle's older sense of a point from which something begins, which became a point used for comparison.

Usage tips

  • The form より (yori) can also mean "from" in formal notices, so context determines whether it marks comparison or a starting point.

Word lists with this word