与其

與其

yǔqí

conjunction HSK 7 #25,452

Meanings

1 rather than
2 instead of

Characters

Used to introduce the less preferred option in a comparison

Examples

与其抱怨，不如行动。

Yǔqí bàoyuàn, bùrú xíngdòng.

Rather than complaining, it's better to take action.

与其等别人帮忙，不如自己动手。

Yǔqí děng biérén bāngmáng, bùrú zìjǐ dòngshǒu.

Rather than waiting for others to help, it's better to do it yourself.

与其浪费时间，还不如早点睡觉。

Yǔqí làngfèi shíjiān, hái bùrú zǎodiǎn shuìjiào.

Rather than wasting time, you might as well go to bed early.

Tips

grammar

与其 is always paired with 不如 (bùrú) or 还不如 (hái bùrú): 与其A，不如B means 'rather than A, better to B'. The preferred option comes after 不如.

mistakes

Don't confuse 与其...不如 with 宁可...也不 (nìngkě...yě bù). 与其 presents a rational comparison; 宁可 expresses a strong willingness to endure something to avoid the alternative.

Stroke Order

与 yǔ

其 qí