〜ほど〜ない
not as ~ as
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜ほど〜ない” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ほど〜ない」 means "not as ~ as". Structure: A は B ほど + Negative. This is a JLPT N4 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1今日は昨日ほど会議が多くないです。
きょう は きのう ほど かいぎ が おおくない です。
kyou wa kinou hodo kaigi ga ookunai desu.
Today there is not as much meeting as yesterday.
Everyday life
Example 2今日は昨日ほど紹介が多くないです。
きょう は きのう ほど しょうかい が おおくない です。
kyou wa kinou hodo shoukai ga ookunai desu.
Today there is not as much introduction as yesterday.
Everyday life
Example 3今日は昨日ほど経験が多くないです。
きょう は きのう ほど けいけん が おおくない です。
kyou wa kinou hodo keiken ga ookunai desu.
Today there is not as much experience as yesterday.
Everyday life
Example 4今日は昨日ほど翻訳が多くないです。
きょう は きのう ほど ほんやく が おおくない です。
kyou wa kinou hodo hon'yaku ga ookunai desu.
Today there is not as much translation as yesterday.
Everyday life
Example 5今日は昨日ほど給料が多くないです。
きょう は きのう ほど きゅうりょう が おおくない です。
kyou wa kinou hodo kyuuryou ga ookunai desu.
Today there is not as much salary as yesterday.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Today there is not as much meeting as yesterday.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ほど〜ない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.