与其…不如 (yǔqí… bùrú)

This paired grammar pattern expresses a preference: rather than doing the first thing, it is better to do the second. It implies the second option is clearly superior.

Meanings

[conjunction pattern] rather than (A), it is better to (B); used to express a preference or recommendation

Example Sentences

与其在家抱怨，不如出去想办法解决问题。 Yǔqí zài jiā bàoyuàn, bùrú chūqù xiǎng bànfǎ jiějué wèntí. Rather than staying home and complaining, it is better to go out and find a solution.

与其买便宜的，不如买质量好的。 Yǔqí mǎi piányí de, bùrú mǎi zhìliàng hǎo de. Rather than buying something cheap, it is better to buy something of good quality.

与其等待机会，不如主动创造机会。 Yǔqí děngdài jīhuì, bùrú zhǔdòng chuàngzào jīhuì. Rather than waiting for opportunities, it is better to actively create them.

与其担心失败，不如好好准备。 Yǔqí dānxīn shībài, bùrú hǎohǎo zhǔnbèi. Rather than worrying about failure, it is better to prepare well.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
与其…不如…	rather than… better to…
与其说…不如说	rather than saying… it would be better to say
宁可…不如	(variant) would rather… than
与其等待	rather than waiting

Usage Notes

与其 introduces the option being rejected, while 不如 introduces the preferred option. This structure is more formal than 宁可…也不 and is common in writing, speeches, and persuasive contexts. The subject usually appears before 与其 or after it.

Memory Hook

与其 = "given that option" (and rejecting it); 不如 = "not as good as" — together: "given that option, this other one is better."