～くらいなら
kurai nara
Rather than; if it means
Formation 接続
Full formation notes
V dictionary + くらいなら
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation 説明
Rejects an undesirable option in favor of a preferred alternative.
Examples 例文
-
うそをつくくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to tell a lie.
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秘密を漏らすくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to reveal the secret.
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約束を破るくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to break a promise.
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仲間を裏切るくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to betray one's teammates.
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責任を放棄するくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to abandon one's responsibilities.
How related patterns differ 比較
ばいいのに can advise or regret; せめて sets a minimum and なるべく the best feasible effort. あえて deliberately acts despite difficulty. くらいなら prefers an alternative; くらいで treats a reason as minor, てまで marks an extreme price, and ないまでも lowers a requirement.
| Pattern | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ～くらいなら | Rather than; if it means | うそをつくくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。 It is better to say nothing than to tell a lie. |
| 〜ばいいのに | If only; why don't you | 早めに資料を確認すればいいのに。 If only you would check the documents sooner. |
| ～なるべく | As much as possible; if possible | なるべく早く資料を確認してください。 Please check the documents as soon as possible. |
| ～あえて | Dare to; deliberately despite objections | 反対はあったが、あえて会議の延期を提案した。 Despite objections, I deliberately proposed postponing the meeting. |
| ～せめて | At least | 忙しくても、せめて一度は資料を確認してほしい。 Even if you are busy, I would like you to at least check the documents once. |
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