comparisons

1) Statement Comparison Between Two

·pattern: [A] のほうが [B]より[the comparing quality]

translation: A is more in the comparing quality than B

 ex: Ken is better at singing than Tanaka. 

けんさんのほうがたなかさんよりうたうのがじょうずです。

—[A]—                   —–[B]—-           –[comparing quality]–

ken.san no.hou.ga ta.na.ka.san yo.ri u.ta.u no.ga jou.zu.desu.

2) Question Comparison Between Two

·pattern: [A][B]とどっちのほうが[the comparing quality]?

translation: Between A and B, which is more in the comparing quality?

ex: バスとでんしゃとどっちのほうがやすいですか。

Between bus and train, which is cheaper?

どっちのほう is only one of the few to say which.

Others are: どっち、どちら、どちらのほう (most polite)

3) Statement Comparison Among Three or More Items

·pattern: [class/group of items] なか、 [A] がいちばん [comparing quality]

translation: A is the most in the comparing quality among the class/group of items listed.

ex: くだもののなかで、りんごがいちばんおいしいです。

Among the fruits, the apple is the most delicious.

when comparing three or more items, どっち and のほう are not used and are replaced with の中でand 一番

4) Question Comparison Among Three of More Items

·pattern: [class/group of items] なかで、[どれ・なに・だれ] が一番 [comparing quality]?

translation: Among the class/group of items, which/what/who is the most of the comparing quality?

use どれ when the items are individually listed

ex: りんごといちごとバナナとみかんとさくらんぼの中で、どれが一番好きですか。

Which do you like the best; apples, strawberries, bananas or cherries?

use なに when the group class is collectively named

ex: やさいの中で、何が一番おいしいですか。

Among the vegetables, what is the most delicious?

use だれ for people