宁可 (nìngkě) — would rather; prefer to
HSK 4 | adverb | expressing a preference for one option over another
宁可 (nìngkě)
宁可 expresses a preference for one choice even if it involves some cost or sacrifice, equivalent to "would rather" or "prefer to" in English.
Meanings
- [adverb] Would rather; prefer to (chooses one option, often the harder one, over another).
Example Sentences
我宁可走路，也不想坐那辆车。 Wǒ nìngkě zǒulù, yě bù xiǎng zuò nà liàng chē. I would rather walk than ride in that car.
她宁可少睡觉，也要完成作业。 Tā nìngkě shǎo shuìjiào, yě yào wánchéng zuòyè. She would rather sleep less than leave her homework unfinished.
他宁可一个人住，也不愿意搬回家。 Tā nìngkě yī gè rén zhù, yě bù yuànyì bān huí jiā. He would rather live alone than move back home.
宁可相信它是真的，也不要冒险。 Nìngkě xiāngxìn tā shì zhēn de, yě bùyào màoxiǎn. It is better to believe it is true than to take the risk.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 宁可…也不… | would rather ... than not ... |
| 宁可…也要… | would rather ... in order to ... |
| 宁可如此 | better to be like this |
| 宁可少 | would rather have less |
Usage Notes
宁可 typically pairs with 也不 or 也要 in the second clause to complete the contrast. It emphasizes a willing sacrifice or trade-off. 宁愿 is a near-synonym; both can be used in this pattern, though 宁可 is slightly more formal.
Memory Hook
宁 suggests peace and contentment, 可 means "acceptable"; 宁可 says "I find peace in choosing this, even if it costs me."