How to say “rather than…” in Chinese with 与其 (yǔqí)
与其 (yǔqí) + Option A, 不如 (bùrú) + Option B
与其 (yǔ qí) — rather than…
与其 (yǔqí) + Option A, 不如 (bùrú) + Option B
HSK 6Sentence patterns与其 (yǔ qí) — rather than…
Rule structure
与其 (yǔqí)…不如 (bùrú)… is a comparative structure meaning "rather than A, it’s better to do B". It expresses preference between two actions.
Rule structure
与其 (yǔqí)…不如 (bùrú)… is a comparative structure meaning "rather than A, it’s better to do B". It expresses preference between two actions.
Examples
与其等待，不如主动争取。
Yǔqí děngdài, bùrú zhǔdòng zhēngqǔ.
Rather than waiting, it’s better to take the initiative.
Examples
与其等待，不如主动争取。
Yǔqí děngdài, bùrú zhǔdòng zhēngqǔ.
Rather than waiting, it’s better to take the initiative.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “rather than…” in Chinese with 与其?
Use the structure: 与其 (yǔqí) + Option A, 不如 (bùrú) + Option B. For example: 与其等待，不如主动争取。 — “Rather than waiting, it’s better to take the initiative.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
与其等待，不如主动争取。 — “Rather than waiting, it’s better to take the initiative.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 6.
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More HSK 6 grammar rules
莫非 — could it be that
莫非 (mòfēi) + Speculation?
非得 — must, absolutely have to
Subj. + 非得 (fēiděi) + Verb Phrase + 不可 (bùkě) / 才行 (cái xíng)
兼 — at the same time, concurrently
兼 (jiān) + Noun / Verb (concurrently)
跟 — similar to, as if
跟 (gēn) + Noun + 似的 (shìde) — as if, like
不愧是 — worthy of
不愧是 (bùkuì shì) + Noun / Noun Phrase
莫过于 — nothing is more…than
莫过于 (mòguòyú) + Noun / Verb Phrase
岂不是 — isn't it…?
岂不是 (qǐ bù shì) + Rhetorical Question
由此 — from this, hence
由此 (yóucǐ) + Verb / Clause (hence, thus)