と言うより
...is more of a... than a..., Rather than saying that...
Structure
［い］Adjective + というより
［な］Adjective + （だ） + というより
Noun + （だ） + というより
Explanation
By combining the quotation case marking particle と, the う-Verb 言う ('to say'), and the case marking particle より ('than'), というより introduces a new description that the speaker feels is more accurate upon reconsideration. This structure is similar to the English phrase 'it's more like (B) than (A)', or 'rather than (A), it's (B)'.
というより can be used after any word type. However, because the phrase preceding it is a statement that will be re-evaluated, nouns and な-Adjectives must be followed by だ. This だ is often omitted in casual conversation. It may also be left out if the sentence concludes with だ to describe the same subject in a more fitting way.- 彼は勉強しているというより、親にさせられている気がする。Rather than say that he's studying, I get the feeling his parents are making him do it.
- このラーメンは辛いというより、ただ熱いだけだよ。This ramen isn't so much spicy, it's more that it's just really hot.
- この町は静かだというより、人がいないだけじゃない？Rather than being quiet, isn't it just that there are no people in this town?
- あそこはカフェというより、ジューススタンドみたいな店だね。That place is less of a cafe and more like a juice stand. (The final だ is used with 'juice stand' as the speaker considers that a more accurate description than 'cafe'.)
Caution
Remember that the particle より always implies that what comes before it is 'lesser' in some way. Consequently, in a というより sentence, the second part (B) will always be presented as the 'more' fitting, 'more' correct, or 'more' accurate description.
- 田中さんは頭がいいというより、賢い。Tanaka is more wise than simply smart.
- この料理が嫌いというより、もうお腹がいっぱいなだけ。It's not that I dislike this dish, it's more that I'm just already full.
Examples
このスープは温いと言うより冷たい。
This soup is cold rather than lukewarm.
この町は静かと言うより退屈だ。
This town is boring rather than quiet.
彼女は大人しいと言うより臆病なんです。
Rather than saying that she is quiet, it's more that she is timid.
料理は趣味と言うよりもはや仕事だ。
Cooking is more of a job than a hobby for me now.
あれは驚きと言うより恐怖に近かった。
Rather than saying that it was surprise, it was closer to fear.
それはお願いと言うより命令ですよね？
Rather than calling it a request, it's an order, isn't it?
あの犬は犬と言うより熊みたいだ。
That dog looks more like a bear than a dog.
「下手」と言うより「苦手」と言った方が正確だ。
Rather than saying 'I'm bad at it,' it's more accurate to say 'It's not my strong suit.'
このジュースはジュースと言うより、シロップみたいに甘い。
Rather than calling this juice, it's as sweet as syrup.
今週と言うより今月中と言った方がいいかな。
Rather than saying this week, maybe it's better to say sometime this month.
田中さんのことは同僚と言うよりライバルだと思っています。
I think of Tanaka-san more as a rival than a colleague.
歩いているのは節約と言うより、健康のためと言った方が正しい。
Rather than saying I walk to save money, it's more accurate to say I do it for my health.