〜というより

Meaning

〜というより is used to correct or replace a previous statement with a more accurate or appropriate description. It means 'rather than saying X, it would be better to say Y' or 'it's not so much X as it is Y.' This pattern is commonly used in casual conversation, with the more formal variant 〜というよりはむしろ also being frequently used to emphasize the contrast between two descriptions.

Formation

Examples

1. 誕生日に彼女がサプライズをしてくれて、嬉ぶというより感動した。
   When my girlfriend surprised me on my birthday, I was moved rather than just happy.

2. あの子は美しいというより可愛いタイプだと思う。
   I think that girl is cute rather than beautiful.

3. この町で久しぶりにお祭りを開催することになったが、当日は大勢の人が来て、賑やかというより騒々しかった。
   The town held its first festival in a long time, and although many people came, it was noisy rather than just lively.

4. あの人は学者というよりむしろ作家だ。
   That person is a writer rather than a scholar.

Summary

• Use 〜というより to present a more fitting or accurate description than what was previously stated
• Can attach to verbs in plain form, i-adjectives, na-adjectives, and nouns
• The variant 〜というよりはむしろ adds emphasis and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts