というより
Frequent Usages
- 彼は優しいというより、甘い
- この映画は面白いというより、感動的だ
- 今日は寒いというより、冷たい
- 彼女は友達というより、妹みたいな存在だ
- この料理は珍しいというより、変わっている
Meaning and Usage
"というより" (というより) is used to correct, clarify, or refine a description, replacing the original statement with a more accurate or suitable expression. It can be translated as "rather than," "more than," or "it's better to say...". This phrase is often used when the first description is not entirely incorrect but can be improved with a more precise description that follows.
In this structure, the first phrase or word is typically somewhat accurate but is then modified by a clearer, more fitting statement after "というより."
Form
- Phrase A + というより + Phrase B
Used to indicate that B is a more accurate or fitting description than A.
彼は親切というより、甘い
かれはしんせつというより、あまい
"He’s not so much kind as he is indulgent." - Noun + というより + Noun
Used to replace a noun with a more suitable or accurate one.
彼女は友達というより、家族だ
かのじょはともだちというより、かぞくだ
"She’s not so much a friend as she is family." - い-Adjective / な-Adjective + というより + い-Adjective / な-Adjective
Used to refine an adjective or description, providing a more precise term.
この本は面白いというより、難しい
このほんはおもしろいというより、むずかしい
"This book is not so much interesting as it is difficult."
When to Use It
Use "というより" when you want to adjust, correct, or clarify a statement. This expression is useful when the first description is close to the speaker's intent but could be more precisely defined by the second term or phrase. It allows you to express subtle differences, helping to convey a more nuanced or accurate message.
- To provide a better description by refining the first statement:
彼は静かというより、無口だ
かれはしずかというより、むくちだ
"He’s not so much quiet as he is silent." - To make a correction by choosing a term that aligns more closely with the intended meaning:
この料理はおいしいというより、独特な味だ
このりょうりはおいしいというより、どくとくなあじだ
"This dish is not so much delicious as it is unique."
Examples for Each Form
- Phrase A + というより + Phrase B
- 彼は努力家というより、完璧主義者だ
かれはどりょくかというより、かんぺきしゅぎしゃだ
"He’s not so much hardworking as he is a perfectionist." - この映画はコメディというより、ドラマだ
このえいがはコメディというより、ドラマだ
"This movie is not so much a comedy as it is a drama."
- Noun + というより + Noun
- 彼女は友達というより、家族のような存在だ
かのじょはともだちというより、かぞくのようなそんざいだ
"She’s not so much a friend as she is like family." - この問題は難問というより、不可能に近い
このもんだいはなんもんというより、ふかのうにちかい
"This problem is less of a difficult question and more nearly impossible."
- い-Adjective / な-Adjective + というより + い-Adjective / な-Adjective
- この本は面白いというより、深い内容がある
このほんはおもしろいというより、ふかいないようがある
"This book is not so much interesting as it has profound content." - 今日は暑いというより、蒸し暑い
きょうはあついというより、むしあつい
"Today is less hot and more humid."
Improper Usage
Avoid using "というより" when the two phrases being compared are not similar enough or when a correction is not required. This structure works best for subtle refinements, so using it with statements that don’t need clarification can sound confusing or unnecessary.
Key Points to Remember
- というより is used to replace an initial statement with a more accurate description, often translated as "rather than" or "it's better to say..."
- It’s a way to clarify or refine the original phrase, making it better suited to the speaker’s intent.
- This structure emphasizes that, while the first description is not entirely wrong, the second one is more fitting.
Formality
"というより" is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, including both spoken and written Japanese. It is especially common in spoken Japanese to clarify or refine casual descriptions.
Example Sentences
- この服は派手というより、目立つ
このふくははでというより、めだつ
"This outfit isn’t so much flashy as it is eye-catching." - あのレストランは高級というより、割高だ
あのレストランはこうきゅうというより、わりだかだ
"That restaurant is not so much high-class as it is overpriced." - この家は古いというより、ボロボロだ
このいえはふるいというより、ボロボロだ
"This house isn’t so much old as it is rundown." - 彼は賢いというより、ずる賢い
かれはかしこいというより、ずるがしこい
"He’s not so much smart as he is cunning." - あの場所は静かというより、寂しい
あのばしょはしずかというより、さびしい
"That place isn’t so much quiet as it is lonely."
