N3 · Structured courses

Hodo Wa Nai: Nothing Is More...Than

"There is nothing more B than A" — a softer superlative. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: "There is nothing more B than A" — a softer superlative.
  • Form and connection: [Noun] ほど…ない / ほど…はない
  • Nuance in real use: The gentlest "most" in Japanese—not "A is the best" but "nothing surpasses A."

Form and connection

[Noun] ほど…ない / ほど…はない

Core Explanation

"There is nothing more B than A" — a softer superlative.

Cultural Note

The gentlest "most" in Japanese—not "A is the best" but "nothing surpasses A."

Practical examples

There is nothing more important than family.
Nothing is more important than health.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Noun] ほど…ない / ほど…はない
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerThere is nothing more important than family.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer健康けんこうほど大事だいじなものはない。 ([Noun] ほど…ない / ほど…はない)

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