とは比べものにならない
Nothing compared to, Cannot be compared to, Much more, Way better, Above comparison (beyond comparison), Far greater than
Structure
Explanation
To express that something is on a completely different level and cannot be fairly compared with (A), the emphatic expression とは比べものにならない is used.
This phrase is constructed from the particle と, the topic marker は, the word 比べもの ('something to compare with'), the particle に, and ならない, the negative form of the う-Verb なる ('to become'). Despite its length, it simply conveys that '(A) doesn't even qualify as a basis for comparison'.
This pattern typically precedes a noun, where that noun is the item being declared superior. The basis for this vast difference is often a clear attribute like quality, size, or skill.
- あの新人歌手は上手だけど、プロの歌手とは比べ物にならない。That new singer is skilled, but he can't even be compared to a professional.
- スーパーのケーキもおいしいが、祖母の手作りケーキとは比べものにならない。The cake from the supermarket is tasty, but it's nothing compared to my grandmother's homemade cake.
- 日本語の勉強は難しいが、中国語とは比べものにはならない。Studying Japanese is hard, but it's not even in the same league as Chinese.
Because this grammar pattern is emphatic, it implies a significant gap between the two items without needing to state the exact degree of difference. Furthermore, as shown in the final example, the adverbial particle は can sometimes appear a second time before ならない. This simply serves to add more emphasis or to strengthen the contrast.
Fun Fact
As a point of interest, a neologism is a relatively new word or phrase that becomes common through popular usage. 比べもの is a perfect example, formed by combining the conjunctive form of the る-Verb 比べる ('to compare') with the noun もの ('thing').
Examples
私の日本語能力なんて、ネイティブスピーカーとは比べものにならない。
My Japanese ability is nothing compared to a native speaker's.
この山からの景色も綺麗だけど、富士山とは比べものにならないよ。
The view from this mountain is beautiful, but it doesn't even compare to Mt. Fuji.
紙で指を切った痛みなんて、骨折の痛みとは比べものにならない。
The pain of a paper cut is nothing when compared to the pain of a broken bone.
コンビニのお弁当も美味しいが、星付きレストランの料理とは比べものにならない。
Convenience store bentos are delicious, but they are nothing compared to a meal from a Michelin-starred restaurant.
東京の夏も暑いけれど、バンコクの暑さとは比べものにならないらしい。
I hear that even though Tokyo's summers are hot, the heat is nothing compared to Bangkok's.
私の給料はまあまあですが、社長のとは比べものになりません。
My salary is decent, but it's nothing compared to the company president's.
今のステージの難しさは、ラスボスとは比べものにならないだろう。
The difficulty of the current stage is likely nothing compared to the final boss.
私の歌唱力は、プロの歌手たちとは比べものにならない。
My singing ability is beyond comparison to that of professional singers.
去年の台風の強さは、今年のとは比べものにならないほどだ。
The strength of last year's typhoon is so great that it doesn't even compare to this year's.
このパソコンのスペックも高いけど、最新モデルとは比べものになりません。
The specs on this computer are high, but they are nothing compared to the newest model.
彼は料理の腕前は、一流シェフとは比べものにならないと謙遜していた。
He was being modest, saying his cooking skills are nothing compared to a top-class chef.
店員さん：「こちらの宝石も美しいですが、あちらのダイヤモンドとは比べものになりませんよ。」
Clerk: ‘This jewel is also beautiful, but it doesn’t compare to that diamond.’
百円ショップの道具も便利だが、やはり専門の道具とは比べものにならない。
Tools from the 100-yen shop are useful, but as you'd expect, they're nothing compared to professional tools.