宁愿

nìng yuàn

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 7 Adverb Common

Definitions

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

Word relationships

Related words

1 item

• 与其 yǔ qí 与其 yǔ qí rather than... Often paired with 宁愿 in the structure 与其...宁愿...: rather than...

Synonyms

1 item

• 宁肯 nìng kěn 宁肯 nìng kěn would rather... Near synonym of 宁愿, slightly more literary.: would rather...

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.

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

• 愿 愿 yuàn: to hope
• 宁 宁 níng: peaceful
• 宁 宁 nìng: would rather