would rather; better (adv.)
HSK 5
Traditional
寧可
Radicals
Stroke order
Examples
我宁可走路，也不想坐车。 wǒ nìngkě zǒulù, yě bù xiǎng zuòchē. - I would rather walk than take a car.
宁可吃少点，也要保持健康。 nìngkě chī shǎo diǎn, yě yào bǎochí jiànkāng. - I would rather eat less to stay healthy.
他宁可自己受苦，也不愿意让家人担心。 tā nìngkě zìjǐ shòukǔ, yě bù yuànyì ràng jiārén dānxīn. - He would rather suffer himself than make his family worry.
我宁可睡觉，也不愿意去参加那个聚会。 wǒ nìngkě shuìjiào, yě bù yuànyì qù cānjiā nàgè jùhuì. - I would rather sleep than go to that party.
她宁可自己走，也不想麻烦别人。 tā nìngkě zìjǐ zǒu, yě bù xiǎng máfan biérén. - She would rather go by herself than bother others.
Characters
可 kě - may, can; quite, so, very; (used for emphasis) |
宁 níng - peaceful; appease, pacify; (lit., of a married woman) visit (her parents or relatives) |