# に比べて: compared with

> Learn how to use に比べて, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning compared with, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

JLPT level: N3 · Updated: 2026-05-17 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n3-ni-kurabete/

**に比べて** means **compared with**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **compare one thing with another**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **compare one thing with another**, **に比べて** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does に比べて mean?

Use **に比べて** when you want to **compare one thing with another**.

Natural translations include:
- compared with
- compared with
- compared with

## How to form に比べて

Noun + に比べて

Examples of the pattern:
- 去年に比べて
- 東京に比べて
- 兄に比べて

## When is に比べて used?

Use **に比べて** in situations like:
- explaining context clearly
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

Tone and register:
- neutral
- Common in JLPT reading, grammar questions, and natural Japanese sentences

## に比べて example sentences

- 去年に比べて、今年は暑い。 — Compared with last year, this year is hot.
- 東京に比べて、この町は静かだ。 — Compared with Tokyo, this town is quiet.
- 兄に比べて、弟はよく話す。 — Compared with his older brother, the younger brother talks a lot.
- 前の仕事に比べて、今の仕事は自由だ。 — Compared with my previous job, my current job is flexible.
- 昔に比べて、生活は便利になった。 — Compared with the past, life has become convenient.

## Nuance of に比べて

The key nuance is **a practical way to express “compared with” with the right level of emphasis**.

This matters because **に比べて** does more than translate one English phrase. It tells the reader how the speaker is framing the situation, whether as emphasis, contrast, obligation, approximation, or evidence.

For example:
- In context, it sounds natural when the surrounding sentence supports the nuance.
- Compared with **[より](/blog/n4-yori/)**, it has a different focus and level of formality.

## に比べて vs より

Both **に比べて** and **[より](/blog/n4-yori/)** can appear in related situations, but they are different.

**に比べて**:
- means **compared with**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[より](/blog/n4-yori/)**:
- より marks “than”; に比べて frames the comparison more explicitly

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 去年に比べて、今年は暑い。 — Compared with last year, this year is hot.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[より](/blog/n4-yori/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with に比べて

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using に比べて with the wrong form
- Confusing に比べて with より
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is に比べて on the JLPT?

Yes. **に比べて** is commonly taught as **JLPT N3** grammar.

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

## Practice questions for に比べて

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using に比べて.
- Contrast に比べて with より.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence with a clear context.

## Learning path for に比べて

To learn **に比べて** efficiently, review より comparisons first, then decide whether the sentence compares directly or says reality differs from expectation.

1. First, make sure you can form **に比べて** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [よりも](/blog/n3-yorimo/), [割に（わりに）](/blog/n3-wari-ni/). These patterns are close enough that choosing between them helps you understand the nuance.
3. Finally, write sentences comparing people, places, effort, price, or results; then check whether replacing **に比べて** with [にしては](/blog/n3-ni-shite-wa/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [よりも](/blog/n3-yorimo/) — because it also compares two things or sets expectations against reality.
- [割に（わりに）](/blog/n3-wari-ni/) — because it also compares two things or sets expectations against reality.
- [にしては](/blog/n3-ni-shite-wa/) — because it also compares two things or sets expectations against reality.
- [より](/blog/n4-yori/) — because it also compares two things or sets expectations against reality.

## Learn に比べて with Hane

If you want to review **に比べて** 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 N3 grammar lessons](/blog/n3/)