Expressing Preference with 宁

This grammar point compares two different actions.

You pick one and reject the other.

Usually, the choice you pick is hard.

But the choice you reject is even worse.

It works like a balance scale.

One side has the action you accept.

The other side has the action you refuse.

In Chinese, the order is very logical.

You say the preferred action first.

You say the rejected action second.

It sounds very determined and clear.

Native speakers use this to show character.

It is more than just a simple like.

It is about making a real decision.

1. 1Start with the Subject (the person).
2. 2Add the preference word 宁愿 or 宁可.
3. 3State the action you choose (Action A).
4. 4(Optional) Add 也不 to show the rejection.
5. 5State the action you refuse (Action B).
6. 6Structure: Subject + 宁愿 + Action A + (也不 + Action B).
7. 7Example: 我 + 宁愿 + 走路 + 也不 + 坐车.
8. 8This means: "I'd rather walk than drive."
9. 9Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes.
10. 10Just remember: your favorite choice comes first!
11. 11Think of it like a grammar traffic light.
12. 12宁愿 is the green light for Action A.
13. 13也不 is the red light for Action B.

Use it when making a firm decision.

It is great for ordering food you like.

"I'd rather eat salad than fast food."

Use it in job interviews to show grit.

"I'd rather work hard than give up."

Use it when talking about your lifestyle.

"I'd rather live in a small city."

It is perfect for setting personal boundaries.

It shows you know what you want.

It is very common in emotional conversations.

If you are being dramatic, this is your word.

"I'd rather die than go to that party!"

(Okay, maybe don't be that dramatic every day).

Do not use it for simple likes.

If you like apples more than oranges, use 喜欢.

宁愿 is for more serious or "heavy" choices.

It feels too strong for casual fruit talk.

Don't use it if there is no comparison.

It needs two sides to feel complete.

Avoid using it for things you can't control.

You can't "rather" it be sunny tomorrow.

It is about your own will and choice.

Don't use it if you are unsure.

If you are undecided, use 比较想 instead.

Putting 宁愿 before the subject is a mistake.

Always say 我宁愿, not 宁愿我.

Forgetting the verb after 宁愿 is common.

You cannot say "I would rather apple."

You must say "I would rather eat an apple."

Mixing up the order of the actions happens.

The thing you *will* do must come first.

If you swap them, you'll be very confused.

It's like putting your shoes on before socks.

Another mistake is using 不 instead of 也不.

也不 makes the rejection much stronger and clearer.

喜欢 is just a general feeling or hobby.

想 is just a desire or a wish.

宁愿 is a choice made with effort.

比较喜欢 is a soft, polite preference.

宁愿 is a "line in the sand."

还是 is used for making a simple choice.

"Should we eat rice or noodles?"

宁愿 is for when the choice matters deeply.

It carries more emotional weight than 还是.

Think of 喜欢 as a smile.

Think of 宁愿 as a firm handshake.