# よりも: than; rather than

> Learn how to use よりも, a JLPT N3 Japanese grammar point meaning than; rather than, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons.

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

**よりも** means **than; rather than**. It is a **JLPT N3** grammar pattern used to **make a comparison with stronger emphasis than simple より**.

This grammar point often appears in **neutral** Japanese. If you want to **make a comparison with stronger emphasis than simple より**, **よりも** is a useful pattern to learn.

## What does よりも mean?

Use **よりも** when you want to **make a comparison with stronger emphasis than simple より**.

Natural translations include:
- than; rather than
- than
- than / rather than

## How to form よりも

Noun / phrase + よりも

Examples of the pattern:
- 昨日よりも
- 思ったよりも
- 東京よりも

## When is よりも used?

Use **よりも** in situations like:
- explaining grammar in context
- answering JLPT reading questions
- making natural Japanese sentences

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

## よりも example sentences

- 今日は昨日よりも寒い。 — Today is colder than yesterday.
- 思ったよりも簡単でした。 — It was easier than I expected.
- 私はコーヒーよりもお茶が好きです。 — I like tea more than coffee.
- 説明を読むよりも、実際に使った方が分かりやすい。 — Rather than reading the explanation, actually using it is easier to understand.
- 東京よりも京都の方が静かだと思います。 — I think Kyoto is quieter than Tokyo.

## Nuance of よりも

The key nuance is **a natural way to express “than; rather than” with the right context and tone**.

This matters because **よりも** does more than match a single English phrase. It shows how the speaker frames the reason, comparison, intention, impossibility, distribution, or expected conclusion in the sentence.

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.

## よりも vs より

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

**よりも**:
- means **than; rather than**
- fits the specific N3 pattern and nuance explained above

**[より](/blog/n4-yori/)**:
- より is the basic comparison marker; よりも adds emphasis or contrast

Quick contrast examples:
- Target: 今日は昨日よりも寒い。 — Today is colder than yesterday.
- Compare: Try replacing it with **[より](/blog/n4-yori/)** and check whether the nuance still matches.

## Common mistakes with よりも

Watch out for these mistakes:
- Using **よりも** with the wrong form
- Confusing **よりも** with **[より](/blog/n4-yori/)**
- Translating it too literally instead of reading the whole sentence

## Is よりも on the JLPT?

Yes. **よりも** 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 よりも

Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
- Write one sentence using **よりも**.
- Contrast **よりも** with **[より](/blog/n4-yori/)**.
- Make a JLPT-style sentence where the context makes the meaning clear.

## Learning path for よりも

To learn **よりも** 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 **よりも** without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with [に比べて](/blog/n3-ni-kurabete/), [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 **よりも** with [にしては](/blog/n3-ni-shite-wa/) changes the meaning.

## Related grammar to review next

- [に比べて](/blog/n3-ni-kurabete/) — 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 よりも with Hane

If you want to review **よりも** 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/)