'Ni taishite' vs. 'Ni kurabete': Contrasting and Comparing
Making comparisons and drawing contrasts are fundamental parts of communication. In Japanese, two key phrases for this are 「〜に対して (~ni taishite)」 and 「〜に比べて (~ni kurabete)」. While both can be translated as "compared to" or "in contrast to," they are not always interchangeable.
Using them correctly is crucial for clear and logical expression. 「〜に比べて」 is used for simple, direct comparisons, while 「〜に対して」 is used to show a clear, often opposing, contrast.
This guide will break down the specific uses of each phrase with clear examples, so you can compare and contrast like a native speaker.
1. 〜に比べて (ni kurabete): For Simple Comparison
Use 〜に比べて (ni kurabete) when you are comparing two things along the same spectrum or scale (e.g., price, temperature, age). It's a neutral way to state that one thing is more or less something than another.
Pattern for Comparison:
A は B に比べて [Adjective/Verb]
(A wa B ni kurabete...)
"A, compared to B, is..."
Example 1: Price
東京は大阪に比べて、家賃が高い。
(Tōkyō wa Ōsaka ni kurabete, yachin ga takai.)
"Compared to Osaka, rent in Tokyo is expensive."
Example 2: Statistics
今年は去年に比べて、雨の日が多い。
(Kotoshi wa kyonen ni kurabete, ame no hi ga ooi.)
"Compared to last year, there are more rainy days this year."
2. 〜に対して (ni taishite): For Direct Contrast
Use 〜に対して (ni taishite) when you want to highlight a sharp, distinct difference or opposition between two things. It works like the English word "whereas" or "while." The two things being contrasted are often very different in nature.
Pattern for Contrast:
A が〜のに対して、B は〜だ。
(A ga ~ no ni taishite, B wa ~ da.)
"Whereas A is..., B is..."
Example 1: Personalities
兄が外で遊ぶのが好きなのに対して、弟は家で本を読むのが好きだ。
(Ani ga soto de asobu no ga suki na no ni taishite, otōto wa ie de hon o yomu no ga suki da.)
"Whereas my older brother likes playing outside, my younger brother likes reading books at home."
Example 2: Business
先月の売り上げが良かったのに対して、今月はあまり良くない。
(Sengetsu no uriage ga yokatta no ni taishite, kongetsu wa amari yokunai.)
"In contrast to last month's sales which were good, this month's are not very good."
3. Key Distinction
Think of it this way: 比べて (kurabete) puts two things on a scale and sees which is higher or lower. に対して (ni taishite) puts two things side-by-side and highlights their fundamental differences.
💡 Quick Check
If you can rephrase the sentence with "more... than," you should probably use に比べて. If it sounds better with "whereas," you should use に対して.
Conclusion
Choosing between 「〜に比べて」 and 「〜に対して」 depends on your intention. Do you want to simply compare two items, or do you want to draw a sharp contrast between them?
By understanding this core difference, you can express your thoughts more logically and clearly, making your Japanese communication much more effective.