What it means
より marks a comparison target or an alternative that is rejected in favor of another choice. With a noun, it commonly means “than,” identifying the standard of comparison. With a plain-form verb, it means “rather than” or “instead of,” often followed by ほうが to present the preferred option. The predicate after より determines the comparison or evaluation. The particle itself is used in both familiar and polite sentences; politeness is expressed by the predicate.
Usage note
より can also mark a point of origin or a starting time, meaning “from,” so the surrounding predicate and context are important. In comparison sentences, のほうが is often added after the preferred option, but it is not required in every construction.
How to use it
この店は駅より近いです。
This shop is closer than the station.
無理に急ぐより、計画を立てたほうが安全です。
It is safer to make a plan than to force oneself to hurry.
この店は駅より近い。
This shop is closer than the station.
無理に急ぐより、計画を立てたほうが安全だ。
It is safer to make a plan than to force oneself to hurry.
Example sentences
図書館では、紙の新聞より電子版のほうが検索しやすいです。
In the library, the electronic edition is easier to search than the paper newspaper.
去年より今年の夏のほうが電気代が高くなりました。
Electricity costs became higher this summer than last year.
朝に急いで出かけるより、前の晩