Translation guide
The English adverb "comparatively" is used to show that something is being judged in relation to something else, often implying "to a certain degree" or "relatively." In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adverbs and patterns that differ in nuance, formality, and typical sentence structure.
Expressing that something is true when compared to others or to a general standard, often implying "more than average" or "to some extent."
The most direct and common equivalent. Used before adjectives or verbs to mean 'comparatively' or 'relatively.' Neutral in register, suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
今日は比較的暖かい。
It's comparatively warm today.
この問題は比較的簡単だ。
This problem is comparatively easy.
A casual, conversational adverb meaning 'relatively' or 'fairly.' Often used in spoken Japanese to soften a statement. Can be replaced by the more formal 割に (わりに) in some contexts.
この店、割と安いね。
This shop is comparatively cheap, isn't it?
Similar to 割と but slightly more formal. Often used in the pattern 'Xの割にY' meaning 'Y considering X' or 'for X, it's Y.' Can also stand alone as an adverb.
値段の割に美味しい。
It's comparatively delicious for the price.
この部屋は割に広い。
This room is comparatively spacious.
Means 'quite' or 'fairly,' often implying 'more than expected.' Can be used similarly to 'comparatively' when making a relative judgment. Common in speech.
この映画、結構面白かったよ。
This movie was comparatively interesting.
A formal, technical term meaning 'relatively' or 'comparatively,' often used in academic or analytical contexts. Emphasizes a direct comparison.
この地域の人口は相対的に少ない。
The population of this area is comparatively small.
Explicitly comparing two things, often using a pattern like 'compared to X, Y is...'
A standard pattern meaning 'compared to ~.' Used to set up a comparison. The phrase before に比べて is the reference point.
去年に比べて、今年の夏は涼しい。
Compared to last year, this summer is comparatively cool.
他の国に比べて、日本は安全だ。
Compared to other countries, Japan is comparatively safe.
Similar to 〜に比べて, but slightly more conversational. Often used to introduce a comparative statement.
前のモデルと比べると、ずいぶん軽くなった。
Compared to the previous model, it's become comparatively lighter.
Expressing that something is unexpectedly good or bad given the situation, often translated as 'comparatively' in English.
Means 'for (something), it's...' or 'considering it's...'. Implies a comparison with a typical expectation. Often used when the result is surprising.
初心者にしては上手だ。
He's comparatively good for a beginner.
この値段にしては品質がいい。
The quality is comparatively good for this price.
Similar to 〜にしては, meaning 'considering ~' or 'for ~.' Often interchangeable, but 〜の割に can sound slightly more objective.
年の割に若く見える。
She looks comparatively young for her age.
Do not try to translate 'comparatively' word-for-word as 比較して (ひかくして) in most contexts. 比較して means 'comparing' as an action, not 'relatively.' Use 比較的 or the patterns above instead.
比較的 is neutral and can be used in any situation. 割と is casual and conversational. 割に is slightly more formal than 割と but still less formal than 比較的. For written reports or formal speech, prefer 比較的.