Meaning
to compare; to contrast; to make a comparison
Nuance & Usage
比較する means to compare two or more things to find similarities or differences. 二つの案を比較する (to compare two proposals), 価格を比較する (to compare prices), 比較的 (hikaku-teki — relatively, comparatively) is a very useful adverb. 比較にならない (hikaku ni naranai — there's no comparison, one is far superior/inferior) is an idiomatic expression. 比較分析 (comparative analysis) is common in academic and business writing. 比べる (くらべる — kuruberu) is the more casual synonym for comparing.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 比較する with 比べる (kuruberu — to compare, casual) and 対比する (taihi suru — to contrast, emphasizing differences). 比較する is more formal and analytical; 比べる is used in everyday speech. 比較的 (relatively) is often mistakenly used as if it means "very" — it means "compared to others" (e.g., 比較的安い — relatively cheap). The construction 〜と〜を比較する (to compare A with B) or 〜に比べて (compared to ~) are important patterns.
Example Sentences
購入前に、複数の商品の価格と機能を比較した。
こうにゅうまえに、ふくすうのしょうひんのかかくときのうをひかくした。
Before buying, I compared the prices and features of several products.
この地域は、都市部と比較すると生活費が比較的安い。
このちいきは、としぶとひかくするとせいかつひがひかくてきやすい。
Compared to urban areas, the cost of living in this region is relatively cheap.
論文では、日本と海外の教育システムを比較して分析した。
ろんぶんでは、にほんとかいがいのきょういくしすてむをひかくしてぶんせきした。
In the thesis, I compared and analyzed the educational systems of Japan and overseas.
Quick Quiz
N24 questionsTest your knowledge of 比較する with 4 different question types.
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