Translation and Meaning of: 何より - naniyori

The Japanese word 何より (なにより) is a term that frequently appears in everyday conversations and even in media such as animes and dramas. If you are studying Japanese or are simply curious about the language, understanding its meaning and usage can be extremely useful. In this article, we will explore what this expression represents, how it is used in different contexts, and some cultural particularities that surround it.

Meaning and Translation of 何より

何より is an expression that can be translated as "above all," "more than anything," or "the most important." It is used to emphasize that something has priority or superior value compared to other things. For example, if someone says "健康は何よりだ" (kenkou wa naniyori da), it means "health is the most important.".

It is worth noting that 何より (naniyori) is not just a comparative expression, but it also carries a tone of affection or seriousness, depending on the context. In informal situations, it can be used to express gratitude or appreciation, as in "あなたの笑顔が何よりです" (anata no egao ga naniyori desu), which means "your smile is what matters most.".

Origin and Structure of the Word

The composition of 何より is quite straightforward: 何 (nani) means "what" or "anything," while より (yori) is a particle that indicates comparison, such as "more than" or "besides." Together, they form an expression that literally suggests "more than anything else." This construction is common in Japanese and helps to understand why the word is used to highlight priorities.

Although there are no complex historical records about the exact origin of 何より, its use dates back to ancient periods of the Japanese language, where comparisons and emphases were made in a similar way. The expression remains relevant to this day precisely because of its simplicity and effectiveness in communication.

Cultural Use and Frequency

In Japan, 何より is a word that reflects cultural values such as gratitude, prioritization, and humility. It frequently appears in situations where someone wants to express that something or someone is irreplaceable. For example, in ceremonies of gratitude or emotional speeches, it is common to hear variations of this expression.

Furthermore, 何より is widely used in Japanese media, especially in dramas and animes that address emotional or overcoming themes. Its presence in these contexts reinforces its role as an expression loaded with emotional meaning. For Japanese learners, recognizing its use in dialogues can be a great way to naturally absorb its meaning.

Tips for Memorization

An effective way to memorize 何より is to associate it with situations where something is truly a priority for you. For example, think of a person or value that you consider above all and try to create sentences like "家族は何より大切だ" (kazoku wa naniyori taisetsu da), or "family is the most important".

Another tip is to hear the word in real contexts, such as in scenes from movies or Japanese songs. Many popular songs use 何より to convey messages of love or appreciation, which can help embed its meaning in a more emotional and lasting way.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 最優先 (Saiyūsen) - top priority
• 最も重要 (Mottomo jūyō) - More important
• 何よりも (Nani yori mo) - Above all
• 最上級 (Saijōkyū) - Higher education
• 最高位 (Saikōi) - Highest position
• 最上位 (Saijōi) - Highest degree
• 最上 (Saijō) - The highest
• 最優 (Saiyū) - More excellent
• 最上級の (Saijōkyū no) - Of the highest class
• 最上級のもの (Saijōkyū no mono) - Object of the highest quality
• 最上級の地位 (Saijōkyū no chii) - Position of high excellence
• 最上級の位置 (Saijōkyū no ichi) - Higher education location
• 最上級のランク (Saijōkyū no ranku) - Higher education ranking
• 最上級のステータス (Saijōkyū no sūtetasu) - Highest rating status
• 最上級の状態 (Saijōkyū no jōtai) - Superior quality state
• 最上級のレベル (Saijōkyū no reberu) - Maximum level of excellence
• 最上級のポジション (Saijōkyū no pojishon) - High-level position
• 最上級のポイント (Saijōkyū no pointo) - Superior quality point
• 最上級の評価 (Saijōkyū no hyōka) - High-quality assessment
• 最上級の価値 (Saijōkyū no kachi) - High category value
• 最上級の質 (Saijōkyū no shitsu) - Superior quality
• 最上級の品質 (Saijōkyū no hinshitsu) - Superior quality
• 最上級のクオリティ (Saijōkyū no kuoriti) - Quality of the highest rating
• 最上級のスキル (Saijōkyū no sukiru) - Highest level skill
• 最上級の能力 (Saijōkyū no nōryoku) - High excellence capacity
• 最上級の才能 (Saijōkyū no sainō) - Superior talent

何より

Romaji: naniyori
Kana: なにより
Type: adverb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: better best

Meaning in English: most;best

Definition: More important than anything else. The most important thing.

Example Sentences - (何より) naniyori

See below some example sentences:

何よりも家族が大切です。

Nani yori mo kazoku ga taisetsu desu

ABOVE ALL

Above all, the family is important.

• 何 - means "what" or "which"
• よりも - is a particle that indicates comparison, meaning "more than"
• 家族 - means "family"
• が - is a particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, meaning "the family"
• 大切 - means "important" or "valuable"
• です - is a particle that indicates the polite form of the verb "ser", meaning "is"