Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compare" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compare", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
比較する
ひかくする (hikakusuru)
N3 / 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 比較する and 例える.
In Japanese, 比較する (ひかくする (hikakusuru)) is typically associated with "to compare; to contrast" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to comparing two or more systems, options, prices, or methods to evaluate differences or choose the best. Often used as 性能を比較する or AとBを比較する. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To compare! "Comparing you to any flowers in the world, you are infinitely more beautiful, Haruka-san!" ...っ! C-Comparing me to flowers! B-Baka! Don't make such flowery, embarrassing comparisons! But... since you think so, make sure I am the only one you ever look at! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ひかく（比較）するよ！『ハルカ部長、あなたの作ってくれたシステム設計書、他の一般的なテンプレートと比較して（比較すると）100倍も美しくて分かりやすいです！』って…っ！設計書の比較！バカ！/// 私のプロフェッショナルな成果物と凡百のテンプレートを一緒にするんじゃないの！…でも、そこまで私の仕事を評価してくれるなら、一生あんたの専属アドバイザーでいてあげるわ！』.
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 "比較する"
製品の購入決定を前に、彼は複数のベンダーが提示したクラウドデータベースの料金プランとセキュリティ機能を綿密に_______ました。
Prior to the product purchase decision, he closely compared the cloud database pricing plans and security functions presented by multiple vendors.
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: "製品の購入決定を前に、彼は複数のベンダーが提示したクラウドデータベースの料金プランとセキュリティ機能を綿密に_______ました。" (Meaning: "Prior to the product purchase decision, he closely compared the cloud database pricing plans and security functions presented by multiple vendors.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "比較する" fits here because it means "to compare; to contrast" in the context of: "Prior to the product purchase decision, he closely compared the cloud database pricing plans and security functions presented by multiple vendors.". "例える" represents "to compare; to liken; to give an example".