Verbる くらいなら JLPT N1

Formation

Verb-dictionary form + くらいなら

Explanation

This grammar is used when the speaker would rather not do something or chooses another option rather than face the stated action. It’s often translated as 'rather than... I'd prefer...' or 'if it comes down to doing X, I'd rather...'.

Example sentences

• 一人で行くくらいなら、家にいるほうがましです。

  I'd rather stay at home than go alone.

  Hitori de iku kurai nara, ie ni iru hou ga mashi desu.

• 負けるくらいなら、試合をしないほうがいい。

  Rather than lose, it's better not to compete.

  Makeru kurai nara, shiai o shinai hou ga ii.

• 遅刻するくらいなら、一日休んだほうがいい。

  It's better to take a day off than to be late.

  Chikoku suru kurai nara, ichinichi yasunda hou ga ii.

• 痛い目に遭うくらいなら、そのリスクは避けます。

  I'd rather avoid that risk than suffer the consequences.

  Itai me ni au kurai nara, sono risuku wa sakemasu.