与其…，宁可…
rather than A, (I would) sooner B
Structure
与其 不愿选的做法 ， 宁可／宁愿 宁肯选的做法
What it means
Rather than A, I would sooner B. Both choices cost something: 与其 marks the one you reject, 宁可 or 宁愿 the one you take, stressing your resolve.
How it is built
与其 + rejected option, (subject) + 宁可／宁愿 + chosen option: 与其买一堆用不上的东西，我宁愿把钱存起来 (Rather than buy things I won’t use, I’d sooner save the money).
When to use it
When you pick the lesser evil with determination. 与其…不如… (lesson 2-1) is the cooler, comparing version: B is simply better.
Watch out
The usual slip is putting the option you prefer after 与其: 与其 always carries what you turn down. In the related 宁可A，也不B the order flips: the rejected option comes second.
Examples
与其在路上堵两个小时，我宁可早起一个钟头坐地铁。
Rather than sit in traffic for two hours, I would sooner get up an hour early and take the underground.
与其买一堆用不上的东西，我宁愿把钱存起来。
Rather than buy a pile of things I will never use, I would sooner put the money away.
与其让剩菜进垃圾桶，我宁可少点一个菜。
Rather than see the leftovers go in the bin, I would sooner order one dish fewer.
Learn this in Lesson 119 · HSK 7–9: 光盘不该是一阵风 (Editorial: clearing your plate)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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