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
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 比較する and 見劣りする.
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, 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 "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 "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: "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.". "見劣りする" represents "to compare unfavorably; to be inferior in appearance/quality".