Translation guide
Expresses comparison of quantity, degree, or exceeding a threshold. Japanese uses several patterns depending on what is being compared and the sentence structure.
To say that something has a greater amount, number, or degree compared to something else.
The standard comparative pattern. Place the adjective after より. For nouns, use のほうが for emphasis.
東京は大阪より大きいです。
Tokyo is bigger than Osaka.
This book is more interesting than that one.
Emphasizes A as the one with more of the quality. Often used in responses or contrasts.
夏のほうが冬より好きです。
I like summer more than winter.
Reversed order, still emphasizing A. Common in conversation.
昨日より今日のほうが暑い。
Today is hotter than yesterday.
To indicate a quantity exceeding a specific number or amount.
Means 'more than or equal to' a number. Often used in formal contexts. For strict 'more than' (excluding the number), use 超 (ちょう) or を超える.
参加者は100人以上でした。
There were more than 100 participants.
この仕事には5年以上の経験が必要です。
This job requires more than 5 years of experience.
Strictly 'exceeds' the number, not including it. More formal/literary than 以上.
気温が40度を超えた。
The temperature exceeded 40 degrees.
Suffix meaning 'over' a number, used in technical or business contexts (e.g., 100超). Less common in daily speech.
利益は10%超増加した。
Profits increased by more than 10%.
To express that something exceeds expectations, a standard, or a limit.
Means 'more than (noun)' or 'beyond (noun)'. Used with adjectives or verbs.
彼は想像以上に若かった。
He was younger than I imagined.
必要以上に食べてしまった。
I ate more than necessary.
Verb suffix meaning 'too much' or 'overdo'. Conveys exceeding a desirable limit.
食べすぎた。
I ate too much.
働きすぎないでください。
Don't work too much.
Adjective suffix meaning 'too (adjective)'. Indicates an excessive degree.
このスープは熱すぎる。
This soup is too hot.
To express that something is the most or above all others.
Means 'more than anything' or 'above all'. Used to emphasize importance or preference.
健康が何より大切です。
Health is more important than anything.
Means 'more than anyone'. Used in comparisons of people.
彼は誰より速く走る。
He runs faster than anyone.
To express a limit or maximum, often with negative implication.
Means 'only' or 'no more than'. The verb must be negative. Emphasizes scarcity.
100円しかない。
I have no more than 100 yen.
Means 'only' or 'just'. Neutral statement of limitation, without the negative nuance of しか.
あと5分だけ待ってください。
Please wait just 5 more minutes.
以上 (いじょう) includes the reference number (≥). 超 (ちょう) and を超える (をこえる) mean strictly greater than (>). 超 is a suffix used mainly in writing, while を超える is a verb phrase suitable for both speech and writing.
English 'more than' before adjectives (e.g., 'more than happy') does not directly translate to Japanese. Use expressions like とても (very) or この上なく (extremely) instead. The comparative pattern より is for comparing two things, not for intensifying adjectives.
紅茶よりコーヒーのほうが好きです。
I like coffee more than tea.
1万円以上します。
It costs more than 10,000 yen.
彼女は私にとって友達以上です。
She is more than a friend to me.