Translation and Meaning of: より - yori

The word 「より」 (yori) is a Japanese particle that has multiple functions in the language. Its etymological origin is rooted in Old Japanese, where it was used to indicate a starting point, both physical and temporal. Over time, the function of 「より」 evolved, and nowadays it is widely used to compare two things or to indicate a manner or means. The particle has a certain flexibility that allows its use in various grammatical constructions, making it indispensable in written and spoken communication in Japanese.

In Japanese grammar, 「より」 serves the role of a comparative, similar to "more ... than" or "less ... than" in another language. For example, when saying "A is bigger than B," the structure "AはBより大きい" is used. Besides this comparative use, 「より」 can also be used to indicate a reference point in expressions of time or place, clarifying where something starts or originates from. This functional duality of the particle demonstrates its importance and versatility within the language.

In addition to its comparative function, 「より」 is also found in idiomatic and literary expressions, highlighting its cultural and linguistic presence. Over the years, the particle has been integrated into classical poetry and literary works, helping to establish contrast and clarity in descriptions. This shows that 「より」 not only serves as a grammatical tool but also contributes to the aesthetics and poetic expression of Japanese.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• より (yori) - than, comparatively
• 以上 (ijou) - more than, above
• 以前 (izen) - before, earlier
• 以降 (ikou) - after, starting from
• よりも (yorimo) - more than, comparatively (emphasis)
• よりもっと (yorimotto) - much more than, comparatively (strong emphasis)
• よりも少なくとも (yorimo sukunakutomo) - at least more than
• よりも多くの (yorimo ooku no) - more than (in quantity)
• よりも高い (yorimo takai) - higher than
• よりも低い (yorimo hikui) - lower than
• よりも速い (yorimo hayai) - faster than
• よりも遅い (yorimo osoi) - slower than
• よりも強い (yorimo tsuyoi) - stronger than
• よりも弱い (yorimo yowai) - weaker than
• よりも大きい (yorimo ookii) - greater than
• よりも小さい (yorimo chiisai) - less than
• よりも優れている (yorimo sugureteiru) - greater than
• よりも劣っている (yorimo ototteiru) - less than
• よりも多様な (yorimo tayouna) - more diverse than
• よりも単純な (yorimo tanjun na) - easier than
• よりも複雑な (yorimo fukuzatsu na) - more complex than
• よりも正確な (yorimo seikaku na) - more precise than what
• よりも近い (yorimo chikai) - closer than
• よりも遠い (yorimo tooi) - further than
• よりも早く (yorimo hayaku) - faster than
• よりも遅く (yorimo osoku) - more slowly than

```