Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compare" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compare", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
比べる
くらべる (kuraberu)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
例える
たとえる (tatoeru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compare" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 比べる and 例える.
In Japanese, 比べる (くらべる (kuraberu)) is typically associated with "to compare" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Transitive verb. Used to show a comparison between two or more things. Often takes particles と or に..
On the other hand, 例える (たとえる (tatoeru)) maps to "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」. A literal translation of "compare" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "比べる"
去年のデータと今年のデータを比べてください。
Please compare last year's data with this year's data.
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.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "去年のデータと今年のデータを比べてください。" (Meaning: "Please compare last year's data with this year's data.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "比べる" fits here because it means "to compare" in the context of: "Please compare last year's data with this year's data.". "例える" represents "to compare; to liken; to give an example".