与其...不如
Rather than...better to
直訳: Compared with (A)... not as good as (B)
Use this phrase to decisively pivot from a mediocre idea to a much better alternative.
15秒でわかる
- Used to compare two options and pick the better one.
- Structure: 与其 + Option A (Lesser) + 不如 + Option B (Better).
- Works for suggestions, advice, and expressing strong personal preferences.
意味
This phrase is used to compare two options and state that the second one is much better than the first. It's like saying, 'Instead of wasting time on X, we should just do Y.'
主な例文
3 / 6Deciding on dinner plans
与其在家里做饭，不如我们出去吃火锅吧。
Rather than cooking at home, why don't we go out for hotpot?
Stuck in a boring meeting
与其这样浪费时间，不如大家先回去工作。
Rather than wasting time like this, we should all just go back to work.
Texting a friend about a bad movie
与其看这电影，不如睡觉。
I'd rather sleep than watch this movie.
文化的背景
This structure originates from classical Chinese logic where balance and comparison were key to persuasive speech. It reflects a cultural preference for 'finding the better way' (择优) rather than just settling for the status quo. Today, it's a staple of modern Mandarin because it sounds both logical and assertive.
The 'Drop the Subject' Trick
If the subject is the same for both parts (like 'I'), you only need to say it once at the very beginning: `我与其...不如...`.
Don't Mix the Order
The first part MUST be the thing you are rejecting. If you swap them, you'll end up choosing the bad option!
15秒でわかる
- Used to compare two options and pick the better one.
- Structure: 与其 + Option A (Lesser) + 不如 + Option B (Better).
- Works for suggestions, advice, and expressing strong personal preferences.
What It Means
Think of 与其...不如 as your ultimate decision-making tool. It helps you weigh two choices. You use it when the first option is okay or common, but the second option is clearly smarter. It’s not just about preference. It’s about making a better judgment call.
How To Use It
The structure is simple. Put the 'bad' or 'lesser' idea after 与其. Put the 'better' idea after 不如. You can use it with verbs or full sentences. For example, 与其在家 (rather than staying home) 不如去公园 (better to go to the park). It flows naturally in conversation. You don't need fancy grammar to make it work. Just state the two options and let the phrase do the heavy lifting.
When To Use It
Use this when you want to be decisive. It’s perfect for planning with friends. Use it at work when suggesting a more efficient path. It works great when you’re complaining about a situation too. If a movie is boring, tell your date: 与其看这个，不如去吃饭. It shows you have a clear opinion. It’s very common in both spoken and written Chinese.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for simple 'A or B' questions. If someone asks if you want tea or coffee, don't use this. It implies a comparison of value or wisdom. Avoid using it if both options are equally good. Also, don't use it to be rude to a host. If they serve you fish, don't say 与其吃鱼，不如吃肉. That’s a one-way ticket to never being invited back! Keep it for suggestions, not for criticizing gifts.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often values pragmatism and efficiency. This phrase reflects that mindset perfectly. It’s about finding the 'optimal' path. Historically, Chinese rhetoric loves paired structures. This 'A vs B' format feels balanced and logical to a Chinese ear. It sounds like you have thought through the consequences. It’s a very 'adult' way to express a preference.
Common Variations
Sometimes you’ll see 与其说 A，不如说 B. This means 'It’s not so much A as it is B.' It’s used for clarifying definitions. You might also hear 与其...宁可.... This is more extreme. It means 'Rather than A, I’d prefer (the hardship of) B.' But for daily life, 与其...不如 is your bread and butter. It’s the most versatile version you’ll find.
使い方のコツ
This is a B1 level collocation that is highly versatile. It sits in the 'neutral' register, meaning it's safe for 90% of situations from casual chats to business meetings. The only 'gotcha' is ensuring the grammar stays parallel in both halves of the sentence.
The 'Drop the Subject' Trick
If the subject is the same for both parts (like 'I'), you only need to say it once at the very beginning: `我与其...不如...`.
Don't Mix the Order
The first part MUST be the thing you are rejecting. If you swap them, you'll end up choosing the bad option!
The Polite Rejection
In China, using this phrase is a polite way to say 'No' to a suggestion while offering a better one, making you sound helpful rather than just negative.
例文
6与其在家里做饭，不如我们出去吃火锅吧。
Rather than cooking at home, why don't we go out for hotpot?
A classic way to suggest a fun alternative to a chore.
与其这样浪费时间，不如大家先回去工作。
Rather than wasting time like this, we should all just go back to work.
Direct and professional, focusing on efficiency.
与其看这电影，不如睡觉。
I'd rather sleep than watch this movie.
Short, punchy, and slightly hyperbolic for effect.
与其一直抱怨，不如想办法解决问题。
Rather than complaining all the time, you should find a way to solve the problem.
Used here to give constructive, firm advice.
与其痛苦地在一起，不如各自安好。
Rather than staying together in pain, it's better to let each other be at peace.
Expresses a difficult but logical emotional conclusion.
与其坐飞机，不如坐高铁，还能看风景。
Rather than flying, it's better to take the high-speed train so we can see the scenery.
Comparing two valid options based on an added benefit.
自分をテスト
Choose the correct order to say: 'Rather than buying this expensive one, it's better to buy that cheap one.'
___ 买这个贵的，___ 买那个便宜的。
The 'lesser' option (expensive one) follows '与其', and the 'better' option (cheap one) follows '不如'.
Complete the sentence logically.
与其天天玩手机，不如 ___。
Reading more books is a productive alternative to playing on a phone all day.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality Spectrum of 与其...不如
Used with friends to pick a restaurant.
与其去那儿，不如去这儿。
Standard daily conversation and emails.
与其等他，不如我们先走。
Used in speeches or written reports.
与其增加投入，不如优化流程。
Common Scenarios for Using the Phrase
Planning a Trip
与其坐车不如走路。
Work Strategy
与其加班不如提高效率。
Relationship Advice
与其吵架不如沟通。
Shopping
与其买便宜的不如买质量好的。
よくある質問
10 問Yes, but usually to compare their actions or roles. For example, 与其找他，不如找我 (Rather than looking for him, it's better to look for me).
Not at all! It's very common in WeChat messages when making plans. It sounds natural and clear.
宁可 (nìngkě) usually implies a sacrifice or a 'lesser of two evils' scenario, whereas 不如 is just about the better choice.
No, this is a paired collocation. You need both the 与其 part and the 不如 part to complete the logic.
Yes. You can say 与其你去做，不如我去做 (Rather than you doing it, it's better if I do it).
Not necessarily 'bad,' just 'less ideal' in the current context compared to the second option.
Add the word 'say' (说): 与其说 A，不如说 B. For example, 与其说他聪明，不如说他努力 (It's not so much that he's smart, but that he's hardworking).
In very casual speech, people sometimes just say 不如...吧 (How about... instead) and skip the first part entirely.
Yes, to reflect on a choice. 与其当时买那个，不如买这个 (Rather than buying that one back then, it would have been better to buy this one).
Forgetting the 不如 and using 与其 alone. In English we can say 'Rather than X...', but in Chinese, the 'Better to Y' part is expected.
関連フレーズ
与其说...不如说
宁愿...也不
与其...宁可
不如
还是...吧
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