GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜というより
Rephrases an earlier expression with a more appropriate one without rejecting it completely.
Examples
これは失敗というより、次への課題だ。
Rather than a failure, this is a challenge for what comes next.
Words used
彼は怒っているというより、困っているようだ。
He seems troubled rather than angry.
Words used
この部屋は狭いというより、物が多すぎる。
Rather than being small, this room simply has too many things in it.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
というよりrephrases an initial description by presenting a more appropriate one. - Basic usage:
彼は怒っているというより、困っているようだ。judges that he seems troubled rather than angry.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Comparing degree versus choosing a description
兄より背が高いcompares height, whereas教師というより研究者だcompares which description fits better. What followsというよりreplaces or refines the preceding description.