Japatan
Formation
- N + に比べて
- N + と比べて
- V辞書形 + の + に比べて
Explanation
Compares two things and states the difference. AはBに比べて～ means about the same as A is more ～ than B, but is slightly more formal than より. と比べて is used the same way. It is followed by words of degree or change, such as many, expensive, easy or increased.
Examples
今年の夏は去年 に比べて 雨が少ないです。
Compared with last year, there has been less rain this summer.
東京は大阪 に比べて、家賃が高いと言われています。
It is said that rent in Tokyo is higher than in Osaka.
バスで行く のに比べて、電車で行くほうが三十分ぐらい早く着きます。
Going by train gets you there about thirty minutes earlier than going by bus.
十年前 と比べて、この町には外国人の観光客が増えました。
Compared with ten years ago, more foreign tourists visit this town now.
Notes
Because it compares two things, it is not used with いちばん. After a verb, add の (行くのに比べて).
Related grammar
Mini quiz
1今月は先月（ ）、仕事がずっと忙しいです。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 1 に比べて
Compared with last month, work is much busier this month. The sentence compares two months, so に比べて is correct.
2電車は ＿＿ ＿＿ ＿★＿ ＿＿ です。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 3 比べて
The correct order is 2-4-3-1: 電車は車に比べて安いです (Trains are cheaper than cars). The word in the star position is 比べて.
3歩いて行く（ ）、自転車は楽です。
Answer and explanation
Answer: 2 のに比べて
Cycling is easier than walking. After a verb, you need の: 行くのに比べて. The other forms are incorrect.
