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Expressing "would rather" with 宁可 ("ning4ke3")

宁可 nìngkě

Grammar
HSK 4

Structure

宁可⋯⋯ ，也不⋯⋯ 宁可 ⋯⋯ ，也要 ⋯⋯

Definition

宁可（níng kě）表示在比较两种选择时，主观上更愿意选择某一种，通常带有让步或取舍的含义。常与“也不”“也要”等搭配使用。

Expressing 'would rather' to indicate a subjective preference for one option over another, often implying concession or trade-off. Typically used with '也不' or '也要'.

Usage

常用于表示宁愿选择较困难、较不利或较极端的情况，也不愿接受另一种情况。结构：宁可 + A + 也不/也要 + B。

Used to express that one would rather choose a more difficult, unfavorable, or extreme situation than accept another. Structure: 宁可 + A + 也不/也要 + B.

Examples

  • 1 我宁可自己辛苦一点，也不愿意麻烦别人。(I would rather work harder myself than trouble others.)
  • 2 他宁可饿肚子，也要把饭钱省下来买书。(He would rather go hungry than save money to buy books.)
  • 3 我们宁可多花点时间，也要保证质量。(We would rather spend more time to ensure quality.)
  • 4 她宁可辞职，也不在那种环境下工作。(She would rather quit her job than work in that environment.)
  • 5 宁可走路，也不去坐那辆拥挤的公交车。(I would rather walk than take that crowded bus.)

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