Want to compare two things without saying one is better than the other? The Japanese phrase ～に比べて is the perfect way to say “compared to” when you’re highlighting differences or similarities between two nouns. Whether you’re talking about cities, seasons, or apps, this grammar point helps you draw a simple, clear comparison.
～に比べて
Compared to
Usage Pattern
Noun + に比べて + [comparison]
Details
JLPT Level: N3
How to Use It
Use に比べて to draw a neutral comparison between two things. The first noun (before に比べて) is the reference point, and the second noun or clause shows what is being compared. You are not saying something is more or less, just different. You may also see と比べて, which emphasizes differences more directly. This is different from より, which implies one thing is superior or inferior in some way. Think of に比べて as a softer, more balanced comparison.
Want A Deeper Explanation?
Example 1
東京に比べて、大阪はもっとカジュアルな感じがします。
とうきょう に くらべて、おおさか は もっと かじゅある な かんじ が します。
Tōkyō ni kurabete, Ōsaka wa motto kajuaru na kanji ga shimasu.
Compared to Tokyo, Osaka feels more casual.
Example 2
去年に比べて、日本語が上手になりました。
きょねん に くらべて、にほんご が じょうず に なりました。
Kyonen ni kurabete, Nihongo ga jōzu ni narimashita.
Compared to last year, my Japanese has improved.
Example 3
兄に比べて、私は運動が苦手です。
あに に くらべて、わたし は うんどう が にがて です。
Ani ni kurabete, watashi wa undō ga nigate desu.
Compared to my older brother, I’m not good at sports.