宁愿

nìng yuàn

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Adverb Common

Definitions

1. would rather ... (than ...)

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Word relationships

Related words

1 item

与其

yǔ qí

rather than...

Often paired with 宁愿 in the structure 与其...宁愿...

Synonyms

1 item

宁肯

nìng kěn

would rather...

Near synonym of 宁愿, slightly more literary.

Usage notes

Collocations

Commonly used with 也不 or 也要 to state the rejected or chosen alternative.

Common mistakes

宁愿 is followed by a verb phrase, not a noun; it marks a choice between actions, not objects.

Grammar

Guides that feature 宁愿

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2 guides

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 6 min

与其……，宁可/宁愿…… for “Rather Than …, I’d Rather …”

Reject one option and firmly choose another with 与其……，宁可……, as in 与其在家里干等，我宁可出去找找.

Reading: nìng yuàn Open guide

HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 6 min

索性, 未免, 不免 and 宁愿: Adverbs of Decision and Judgement

Learn five mood adverbs for decisions and judgements: 索性 “might as well”, 未免 “a bit too”, 不免 “naturally, can’t avoid”, and 宁愿/情愿 “would rather”.

Reading: nìng yuàn Open guide

Example Sentences

1 shown

我宁愿走路，也不坐车。

I'd rather walk than take the car.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 宁愿

to hope

peaceful

would rather

宁愿