What it means
より marks the standard or point of comparison. In the common pattern AよりBのほうが... , it means that B is more ..., or otherwise preferable, than A. It can follow a noun, such as a person, thing, time, or place, and it can also follow a plain clause when comparing a result with an expectation or another statement. The compared item may be omitted when the context is clear.
Usage note
より is often used with のほうが, but のほうが is not required in every sentence. Do not assume that より can follow only a clause or verb phrase; noun comparisons such as 電車よりバスのほうが便利です。 are very common. The pattern Xよりも adds emphasis to the comparison.
How to use it
夏より冬のほうが好きです。
I like winter more than summer.
思ったよりこの部屋は広いです。
This room is larger than I thought.
夏より冬のほうが好きだ。
I like winter more than summer.
思ったよりこの部屋は広い。
This room is larger than I thought.
Example sentences
紙の地図よりスマートフォンの地図のほうが便利です。
A smartphone map is more convenient than a paper map.
夏休みより冬休みのほうが短いです。
The winter vacation is shorter than the summer vacation.
自転車より徒歩のほうが健康にいいです。
Walking is better for your health than riding a bicycle.
朝の電車より昼の