❄️ Winter Vacation — Comparisons
In this chapter, we learn how to make comparisons between items and express our future plans and intentions, specifically as we prepare for a winter vacation.
Comparison Between Two Items
To compare two things (A and B), use the following pattern:
A のほうが B より [Adjective] です。 (A is more [adjective] than B.)
Structure
- A no Hou: “A’s side / Alternative A”
- B Yori: “Than B”
- Adjective: The quality being compared.
Examples
バスのほうが 電車より やすいです。
(The bus is cheaper than the train.)ひらがなのほうが カタカナより かんたんです。
(Hiragana is easier than Katakana.)
Comparison Among Three or More Items
To say something is “the most” within a group:
[Group] のなかで [Item] が いちばん [Adjective] です。
- くだもののなかで りんごが いちばん すきです。 (Among fruits, I like apples the best.)
- クラスのなかで たけしさんが いちばん せがたかいです。 (Takeshi is the tallest in the class.)
Expressing Intentions: ~Tsumori
To say what you plan or intend to do, use the Short Affirmative Verb + つもりです.
[Verb Short Form] + tsumori desu
- ふゆやすみに おきなわへ いく つもりです。
- Fuyuyasumi ni Okinawa e iku tsumori desu.
- (I intend to go to Okinawa during winter vacation.)
- あしたは べんきょうしない つもりです。
- Ashita wa benkyoushinai tsumori desu.
- (I intend NOT to study tomorrow.)
Describing Change: ~Naru (To Become)
To say something “becomes” [adjective], use the verb なります (narimasu). The grammar changes based on the type of word.
| Type | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| i-Adjective | Remove い, add く + なります | さむい → さむく なります (It becomes cold.) |
| na-Adjective | Add に + なります | しずか → しずかに なります (It becomes quiet.) |
| Noun | Add に + なります | せんせい → せんせいに なります (I will become a teacher.) |
Indefinite Pronouns: Someone / Somewhere
Question words can transform into vague statements.
| Question Word | + Ka (Some-) | + Mo (No-) |
|---|---|---|
| なに (What) | なにか (Something) | なにも (Nothing) |
| だれ (Who) | だれか (Someone) | だれも (No one) |
| どこ (Where) | どこか (Somewhere) | どこにも (Nowhere) |
Example:
- どこかに いきましたか。 (Did you go somewhere?)
- いいえ、どこにも いきませんでした。 (No, I didn’t go anywhere.)
Culture Note: Public Transport (Noriai)
Japan is famous for its efficient public transportation:
- 新幹線 (Shinkansen): The “Bullet Train” connecting major cities. Fast, punctual, and clean.
- IC Cards (Pasmo/Suica): Tap-to-pay cards used for trains, buses, vending machines, and convenience stores.
- Rush Hour: Tokyo trains can approach 200% capacity in the morning. Station staff (oshiya) sometimes push passengers in.
Useful Expressions: At the Station
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| きっぷ | Kippu | Ticket |
| かいさつ | Kaisatsu | Ticket Gate |
| ホーム | Hoomu | Platform |
| つぎの でんしゃ | Tsugi no densha | Next train |
| ～せん | ~Sen | …Line (e.g. Yamanote-sen) |
| おうふく | Oufuku | Round Trip |
| かたみち | Katamichi | One Way |
Test Your Knowledge
Chapter Quiz
How do you say 'Apples are more delicious than oranges'?