前者は・後者は
JLPT Level: N3
Meanings
the former ...
the latter ...
as for the former ...; as for the latter ...
in comparison, the former is ..., while the latter is ...
Usage
前者は〜、後者は〜
前者は〜、後者は〜が〜
前者は〜、後者は〜です/だ
Explanation
Used to compare two items or options by introducing the former first and then the latter. It signals a clear contrast between two subjects or choices, often followed by statements about each. This pattern is common in discussions, explanations, or when making decisions, and it helps organize thoughts by separating the two items and stating their characteristics side by side.
この二つの案を比べると、前者は費用が高い。後者は費用が安い。
このふたつのあんをくらべると、ぜんしゃはひようがたかい。こうしゃはひようがやすい。
When comparing these two proposals, the former is expensive and the latter is cheap.
夏は前者は観光地が混むが、後者は静かな場所が多い。
なつはぜんしゃはかんこうちがこむが、こうしゃはしずかなばしょがおおい。
In summer, the former has crowded tourist spots, while the latter has many quiet places.
この本とこの本を比べると、前者は難しい内容だ。後者は読みやすい。
このほんとこのほんをくらべると、ぜんしゃはむずかしいないようだ。こうしゃはよみやすい。
If you compare this book with that one, the former has difficult content, and the latter is easy to read.