noun, noun, used as a suffix
Used for mathematical ratios, proportions, and rates. Also common as a suffix in compound terms like 男女比 (male-to-female ratio).
この学校の男女比は3対2です。
The male-to-female ratio at this school is 3 to 2.
利益率は売上高に対する利益の比で計算する。
Profit margin is calculated as the ratio of profit to sales.
noun
Refers to comparing things or being comparable. Often used in set phrases like 比べる (to compare) or 比にならない (no match for).
彼の実力は去年とは比にならない。
His ability is beyond comparison with last year.
両者の比を取ると、明らかな差がある。
When you compare the two, there is a clear difference.
noun, used as a suffix
compared with; relative to
Suffix use attaching to nouns to mean 'compared to' or 'relative to'. Common in formal or technical contexts.
前年比で売上が10％増加した。
Sales increased by 10% compared to the previous year.
noun
Philippines (abbreviation)
Abbreviation for 比律賓 (フィリピン), used mainly in compounds like 日比 (Japan-Philippines). Rare as a standalone word.
See also: 比律賓 (フィリピン)
日比友好条約が結ばれた。
A Japan-Philippines friendship treaty was concluded.
noun
explicit comparison (Shi Jing style)
Technical term from Chinese poetics, referring to one of the six principles (六義) of the Shi Jing. Extremely rare outside classical studies.
See also: 六義
詩経の六義の一つに「比」がある。
One of the six principles of the Shi Jing is 'explicit comparison' (比).