Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compare" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compare", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
例える
たとえる (tatoeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
見劣りする
みおとりする (mi-otori suru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compare" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 例える and 見劣りする.
In Japanese, 例える (たとえる (tatoeru)) is typically associated with "to compare; to liken; to give an example" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents To compare or liken one thing to another. Often used in the pattern 「AをBに例える」.
On the other hand, 見劣りする (みおとりする (mi-otori suru)) maps to "to compare unfavorably; to be inferior in appearance/quality" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents When comparing two or more things, one is clearly not as good as the others in terms of quality, appearance, or performance.. A literal translation of "compare" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "例える"
人生を旅に例える人が多い。
Many people liken life to a journey.
Bilingual Context for "見劣りする"
この新しいデザインは、前のモデルと比べると少し見劣りする。
This new design is a bit inferior when compared to the previous model.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "人生を旅に ＿＿＿ 人が多い。" (Meaning: "Many people liken life to a journey.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "例える" fits here because it means "to compare; to liken; to give an example" in the context of: "Many people liken life to a journey.". "見劣りする" represents "to compare unfavorably; to be inferior in appearance/quality".