Meaning
The kanji 較 (kaku, kuraberu) primarily means to compare or to contrast. It also appears in adverbs such as relatively or comparatively. Fundamentally, it refers to examining two or more entities to identify their similarities, differences, or relationships. Comparisons can range from a simple observation to a formal, analytical process, and can even imply competition or evaluation.
Its etymological origin is quite revealing. 較 is a semantic-phonetic compound character. The left-hand radical, 車 (kuruma), means 'vehicle' or 'cart'. It often suggests movement, transportation, or things placed side-by-side. The right-hand component, 爻 (kō), serves as the phonetic element, but also adds a semantic layer. 爻 represents intersecting lines, often used in divination or for denoting patterns and distinctions. When combined, the image evokes two chariots (車) lining up side-by-side for a race or competition. This hints at comparing their speeds or strengths, with 爻 emphasizing the distinction of their progress. Thus, the visual shape powerfully illustrates the meaning of setting things alongside each other for examination.
This kanji has 13 strokes and is classified as an N2-level kanji on the JLPT. While it is an essential character for advanced Japanese, it is not part of the standard curriculum for elementary school grades in Japan, and therefore not assigned a specific school grade.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi readings are derived from Chinese pronunciations and are typically used when the kanji forms part of a compound word.
カク (Kaku)
カク is the most common and versatile On'yomi reading for 較, especially in modern Japanese. It is widely used in compounds related to comparison, relativity, or differences. When you encounter 較 in a technical or formal compound, カク is almost always the correct reading.
比較 (hikaku) — comparison, contrast
Example: 製品の比較をする。 (Seihin no hikaku o suru.) — To compare products.
比較的 (hikakuteki) — relatively, comparatively
Example: 比較的に簡単な問題。 (Hikakuteki ni kantan na mondai.) — A relatively simple problem.
較差 (kakusa) — difference, range (often in a scientific or statistical context)
Example: 気温の較差が大きい。 (Kion no kakusa ga ōkii.) — The temperature range is large.
コウ (Kou)
コウ is a less common On'yomi reading in everyday modern Japanese. It is often found in more specialized, technical, or archaic terms. It stems from an older pronunciation (Kan-on), contrasting with カク (Go-on). Though less prevalent, it's important to recognize its use in specific contexts.
較正 (kōsei) — calibration, adjustment
Example: 測定器の較正を行う。 (Sokuteiki no kōsei o okonau.) — To perform instrument calibration.
較然 (kōzen) — clearly, conspicuously (more classical usage)
Example: 真理が較然と現れる。 (Shinri ga kōzen to arawareru.) — The truth appears clearly.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations associated with the meaning of the kanji, typically used when the kanji stands alone or as part of a verb or adjective stem.
くら-べる (kura-beru)
くら-べる is the fundamental Kun'yomi reading for 較, forming the verb 比べる (kuraberu), which means "to compare." Although it can be written with just 比べる, using 較べる is also correct and can emphasize the 'comparison' aspect. This is a very common verb used in daily conversation and writing.
比べる (kuraberu) — to compare, to contrast
Example: 値段を比べる。 (Nedan o kuraberu.) — To compare prices.
比べ物 (kurabemono) — something to compare with, a rival
Example: あの店のサービスは他と比べ物にならない。 (Ano mise no sābisu wa hoka to kurabemono ni naranai.) — That store's service is incomparable to others.
比べっこ (kurabekko) — a comparison game, competition (colloquial, often used by children)
Example: 背比べっこをしよう。 (Seikurabekko o shiyō.) — Let's have a height comparison.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are several common words and compounds using 較, categorized by their thematic emphasis, illustrating its versatile applications in Japanese.
Comparison & Analysis:
比較 (hikaku) — comparison, contrast
This is the most fundamental compound word, meaning the act of comparing or contrasting.
比較級 (hikakukyū) — comparative degree (grammar)
Refers to the grammatical form used to compare two things (e.g., "taller," "faster").
比較検討 (hikaku kentō) — comparative study, examination
The process of comparing and critically examining multiple options or factors.
比較分析 (hikaku bunseki) — comparative analysis
A detailed analysis involving the comparison of different datasets or subjects.
Relative & Differentiating Terms:
比較的 (hikakuteki) — relatively, comparatively
An adverb indicating a certain degree of truth when compared to others.
較差 (kakusa) — difference, range
Often used in scientific or statistical contexts to denote the margin of difference or the extent of variation.
Action-Oriented Comparison:
見比べる (mikuraberu) — to compare by looking
Visually comparing two or more items.
聞き比べる (kikikuraberu) — to compare by listening
Comparing sounds, music, or voices.
食べ比べる (tabekuraberu) — to compare by tasting
Tasting different foods or drinks for comparison.
乗り比べる (norikuraberu) — to compare by riding (vehicles)
Often used to evaluate different cars, bicycles, or other modes of transport by riding them.
Formal/Technical Usage:
較正 (kōsei) — calibration, adjustment
The process of checking and adjusting a measuring instrument against a standard.
Example Sentences
犬と猫を較べるのは難しい。
Inu to neko o kuraberu no wa muzukashii.
It's difficult to compare dogs and cats.
彼は昨年と較べて、かなり成長した。
Kare wa sakunen to kurabete, kanari seichō shita.
Compared to last year, he has grown quite a lot.
この二つの製品を比較すると、品質に大きな差がある。
Kono futatsu no seihin o hikaku suru to, hinshitsu ni ōkina sa ga aru.
When comparing these two products, there is a big difference in quality.
日本の物価は他の国と比較して高いと言われている。
Nihon no bukka wa hoka no kuni to hikaku shite takai to iwarete iru.
It is said that prices in Japan are high compared to other countries.
この問題は、比較的に簡単だと思います。
Kono mondai wa, hikakuteki ni kantan da to omoimasu.
I think this problem is relatively simple.
新旧の制度を比較検討する必要がある。
Shinkyū no seido o hikaku kentō suru hitsuyō ga aru.
It is necessary to comparatively examine the old and new systems.
二つの案を較量して、より良い方を選びましょう。
Futatsu no an o kakuryō shite, yori yoi hō o erabimashō.
Let's compare the two proposals and choose the better one.
研究者たちは、データに基づいて詳細な比較分析を行った。
Kenkyūsha-tachi wa, dēta ni motozuite shōsai na hikaku bunseki o okonatta.
The researchers conducted a detailed comparative analysis based on the data.
長所と短所を較べて、最終的な決定を下してください。
Chōsho to tansho o kurabete, saishūteki na kettei o kudashite kudasai.
Please compare the pros and cons before making a final decision.
この新しいモデルは旧モデルと較べ、性能が格段に向上している。
Kono atarashii moderu wa kyū moderu to kurabe, seinō ga kakudan ni kōjō shite iru.
This new model shows a significant improvement in performance compared to the old model.
Memory Tip
To remember 較, visualize its components. The left side is 車 (kuruma), meaning 'vehicle' or 'cart'. Imagine two vehicles pulling up side-by-side. The right side is 爻 (kō), which looks like intersecting lines or two 'X' marks. These 'X' marks can symbolize the act of marking differences or similarities, or crossing paths in a comparison. So, you have two 'vehicles' (車) arranged for 'comparison' (爻, intersecting lines or marks of distinction). Think of comparing the speed or features of two cars. Or, imagine two lines being compared to see if they are parallel or intersect. This mental image of vehicles juxtaposed for evaluation directly links the components to the kanji's core meaning of 'to compare' or 'to contrast'.