# より: from

> Learn how to use より, a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar point meaning from, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N2 · Updated: 2026-05-06 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n2-yori-from/

**より** means **from**. It is a **JLPT N2** Japanese grammar pattern used to **mark a formal starting point in time, place, or source**.

This grammar point often appears in advanced reading, formal writing, notices, essays, and careful conversation. If you want to read Japanese with more nuance, **より** is a useful pattern to learn because it shows the speaker's logic, stance, or emphasis.

## What does より mean?

Use **より** when you want to **mark a formal starting point in time, place, or source**.

Natural translations include:
- from
- depending on context
- in a way that matches the speaker's emphasis

The best translation depends on the sentence. Focus first on what relationship the pattern creates between the ideas.

## How to form より

Noun + より

Examples of the pattern:
- 会議は午後三時より始まります。
- 申請は本日より受け付けます。
- 駅より徒歩五分です。

In JLPT questions, pay close attention to the word immediately before the grammar point. Many wrong answers use a similar meaning but attach to the wrong form.

## When is より used?

Use **より** in situations like:
- reading formal explanations, announcements, or essays
- making a point more precise than a basic grammar pattern would
- connecting two ideas with a clear nuance

Tone and register:
- usually neutral to formal, depending on the expression
- common in JLPT N2 reading passages, news, notices, and business-like writing

## より example sentences

- 会議は午後三時より始まります。 — The meeting starts from 3 p.m.
- 申請は本日より受け付けます。 — Applications are accepted from today.
- 駅より徒歩五分です。 — It is five minutes on foot from the station.
- 詳しい情報は担当者よりご連絡します。 — Detailed information will be sent from the person in charge.
- このお知らせは事務局より送信しています。 — This notice is being sent from the office.

After reading each sentence, ask what job **より** is doing. Is it adding, excluding, warning, emphasizing, or showing a condition? That habit makes the nuance easier to remember than a single English translation.

## Nuance of より

The key nuance is **mark a formal starting point in time, place, or source**.

This matters because N2 grammar often overlaps with easier expressions. The advanced pattern usually adds formality, emphasis, restriction, or a stronger logical relationship.

For example:
- In formal writing, **より** often sounds more precise than a casual equivalent.
- Compared with **から**, it has a different tone or scope even when the English translation looks similar.

## より vs から

Both **より** and **から** can express related ideas, but they are different.

**より**:
- fits the N2 nuance explained above
- often sounds more specific, formal, or emphatic

**から**:
- is usually broader, simpler, or used in a different register
- may be better in casual conversation depending on the sentence

Quick contrast examples:
- 会議は午後三時より始まります。
- Try rewriting the sentence with **から** and notice whether the tone or meaning changes.

## Common mistakes with より

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Translating it too literally and missing the function in context
- Confusing it with **から** just because the English translation overlaps
- Using it in casual speech when a simpler pattern would sound more natural

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **より**, then compare it with a related grammar point. Explain the difference in your own words.

## Is より on the JLPT?

Yes. **より** is commonly taught as **JLPT N2** grammar.

That means learners should be able to:
- recognize it in reading
- understand its nuance in context
- use it in simple original sentences

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions usually test context, not dictionary translation alone.

## Practice questions for より

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence that clearly needs **より**.
- Write a second sentence with **から** and compare the nuance.
- Find a notice, article, or dialogue where this kind of meaning would be natural.

## Learning path for より

To learn **より** efficiently, follow a path that matches this pattern's real function.

1. First review the formation so the base structure feels natural.
2. Then compare **より** with **から** and the related lessons below. These recommendations are chosen from similar semantic or structural families.
3. Finally, write your own sentence where the context makes **より** necessary.

## Related grammar to review next

- [n5 kara](/blog/n5-kara/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [より](/blog/n4-yori/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register
- [n2 nite](/blog/n2-nite/) — review this next because it is close in meaning, form, or register

## Learn より with Hane

If you want to review **より** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you connect grammar, kanji, and vocabulary in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:
- [All grammar lessons](/blog/)
- [JLPT N2 grammar lessons](/blog/n2/)