Japanese/Grammar/Comparisons

Comparative
The main methods of constructing comparative sentences use the words "より" and "". They can be used individually or together. The former indicates inferiority while the latter superiority (but note that superiority can indicate "lower", "cheaper", "smaller", etc).

Let's look at a few examples asserting that pizza (ピザ) is more delicious than sushi. Take the noun that is superior (in this case, more delicious) and affix "のが" to it. Then, take the inferior noun and append it with "より":

This essentially means "Pizza is more than sushi." but we have yet to explain in what fashion pizza out-does sushi. In this case, we are describing how delicious so we choose "おいしい". To be polite, we will add the polite copula "です" to the end of the sentence.

The adjective can be changed to anything you'd like.

Variations
It doesn't matter which part comes first; "〜の方が" or "〜より" so the following are both grammatically correct:

The adjective, however, must always come last with the copula.

One may drop one of "より" or "の方" when the comparison is clear from context.

Though it is not standard, "の方が" can be replaced with "は". Some people may find this easier to remember.

Instead of "より", you can say "よりも". This is mostly restricted to speech and adds emphasis. Others may use it simply because they like to say it instead of plain "より". You can choose for yourself which you'd like to use.

There is also "もっと" which means "more" or "to a greater degree".

Superlative
In Japanese one can express the superlative by stating that it is "the most ~", or that is "more ~ than anything/anyone".

The most ~
Depending on formality, you may use "もっとも" or "一番" (いちばん, e. number one). The superlative is formed by prepending this to the adjective.

With a subject:

You can also modify a noun by placing it after the adjective. Take a look at these examples:

More than anything
This method has two forms with the same structure, but a different word depending on whether it refers to something that is animate or inanimate. Instead of just "より"or "", you can say "よりも" or "よりも". It's up to you which form you choose to use. Here are some examples!