与其…不如…
HSK 4- Comparison
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 与其 A 不如 B is used for comparison and selection, meaning 'it is better to do B than to do A'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The structure 与其 A 不如 B is used to compare two options and make a decision. The speaker considers option A to be inferior to option B, and therefore prefers to choose B over A. In essence, this is a way of saying "rather than doing A, I think doing B is better." The preferred option always follows 不如.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 与其坐车堵在路上，不如坐地铁。繁: 與其坐車堵在路上，不如坐地鐵。Yǔqí zuò chē dǔ zài lùshang, bùrú zuò dìtiě.
I would rather take the subway than sit in a car stuck in traffic.
- 与其在家看电视，不如出去走走。繁: 與其在家看電視，不如出去走走。Yǔqí zài jiā kàn diànshì, bùrú chūqù zǒuzou.
Rather than staying home watching television, it would be better to go out for a walk.
- 与其担心未来，不如做好现在。繁: 與其擔心未來，不如做好現在。Yǔqí dānxīn wèilái, bùrú zuò hǎo xiànzài.
Rather than worrying about the future, it is better to do well in the present.
- 与其买贵的，不如买合适的。繁: 與其買貴的，不如買合適的。Yǔqí mǎi guì de, bùrú mǎi héshì de.
Rather than buying the expensive one, it's better to buy the one that suits you.
- 与其求别人，不如靠自己。繁: 與其求別人，不如靠自己。Yǔqí qiú biérén, bùrú kào zìjǐ.
It is better to rely on yourself than to ask others for help.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:与其出去玩，不如做作业。Correct:与其做作业，不如出去玩。
The preferred choice (going out to play) must come after 不如. The less preferred choice (doing homework) comes after 与其.
- Wrong:他学习与其我，不如我好。Correct:他学习不如我好。
This structure is used to choose between two actions, not to compare characteristics. To express inferiority, use "不如" or "没有".