Rather than A
This is usually followed by a statement that is considered better or more accurate than A.
9点
弟は昨日の試験に落ちた。頭がよくないと言うより全然勉強しなかったせいだ。
My little brother failed the exam yesterday. Rather than saying that he is not smart, it is because he did not study at all.
8点
それは部屋と言うよりはむしろ広間だ。
It is a hall rather than a room.
9点
ジョンは天才と言うより努力家だ。
John is not so much a genius as a hard worker.
10点
あの少女は美しいと言うよりはむしろ可愛い。
That girl is more cute than beautiful.
2点
この本は為に成ると言うよりも害になる。
This book will do more harm than good.
3点
あの女性は見栄っ張りと言うよりもむしろ自尊心が強い。
That woman is proud rather than vain.
Getting the sentences
These user sentences have been verified by a native speaker.

emmy
0
1
Level: 3
(10 years ago)
彼女にとって一人暮らしは無理だというより難しい。
Rather than impossible, it would be difficult for her to live alone.



Natsu
0
0
Level: 5
(10 years ago)
★ 日本は小さいというより大きい国だ。
Japan is a big country rather than a small country.


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Construction
(Elements in parentheses are optional.)
Basic Examples:
病気というより調子がちょっとおかしい (rather than 'sick,' 'under the weather')
五月蝿いというより元気 (rather than 'loud,' 'energetic')
行きたくないというより都合が悪い (rather than saying I don't want to go, the circumstances aren't great...)
簡単というより複雑じゃない ('uncomplicated' rather than 'easy')
Where this grammar is found
User notes
2点
this is often used when wanting to be politic, or searching for a better/more descriptive word for what's being described.
11 years ago

Discussion about this grammar
Studying: Graduate School Placement Exam
Level: 1,
好 : 50
1点
13 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
1点
13 years ago

Years Studied: 2
Studying: 2級
Level: 1,
好 : 67
Studying: 2級
1点
10 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
1点
10 years ago

Years Studied: 12
Studying: N2
Level: 100,
好 : 355
Studying: N2
2点
10 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
1点
10 years ago

Years Studied: 8
Studying: JPLT N1
Level: 1,
好 : 252
Studying: JPLT N1
1点
10 years ago

Site admin
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
Level: 123, 好 : 6,928
1点
10 years ago
Level: 54,
好 : 4
2点
7 years ago