〜に比べ（て）／と比べ（て）

Meaning

This grammar pattern is used when comparing related items or things of the same category. Both particles に and と can be used interchangeably to introduce the comparison target. The pattern highlights differences or changes between two comparable things, with the comparison target placed before 比べ(て).

Formation

Examples

1. 去年に比べて、身長が5センチも伸びました。
   Compared to last year, my height has grown by 5 centimeters.

2. 地球は太陽に比べて小さい。
   The Earth is small in comparison to the Sun.

3. この町で石油が発見されてから、経済の発展はとても速かったです。5年前と比べてずいぶんにぎやかになりました。
   Since oil was discovered in this town, economic development has been very rapid. Compared to five years ago, it has become quite lively.

Summary

• Use に比べ(て) or と比べ(て) to compare two related or similar things
• Both に and と work the same way; choose based on naturalness in context
• The comparison target comes before 比べ(て), followed by the result or observation