Structure
むしろ + (Preferred Choice) Phrase
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Standard
使用域
一般
Rare Kanji
寧ろ
About むしろ
When a speaker is making a determination about something in Japanese, the adverb むしろ is often used to express a more accurate depiction of what has already been said. This is regularly translated as 'rather', or 'instead'.
むしろ will mostly appear at the beginning of new sentences, or the beginning of a second clause within a sentence, before information about (A) will be clarified.
むしろ will mostly appear at the beginning of new sentences, or the beginning of a second clause within a sentence, before information about (A) will be clarified.
- 何でそっちが怒ってるの？むしろこっちが怒りたいよ。Why are you mad? I want to be the one that is mad instead. (It would be preferable if I was mad, because you're the one that is wrong)
- むしろ、安い方を買った方がいいとおもう。Buying a cheaper one would be better instead.
- 車をリースするより、むしろ中古の車を買った方が安く済む。Instead of leasing a car, it would be cheaper if you bought a used one.
- 俺はMMOよりむしろシングルプレイヤーのゲームの方が好きだ。Rather than MMOs, I like single player games more.
Fun Fact
むしろ comes from the kanji 寧ろ, literally meaning 'preferable'. This is the same kanji that appears in the word 丁寧, meaning 'polite' (sometimes also translated as 'careful'). The grammar structure むしろ itself may even be translated as 'preferably', simply expressing that careful consideration has been given to describing something accurately.- むしろ、そっちに謝ってほしいよ。Preferably, I want you to apologize. (Rather than me, it would be better if you apologized)
- むしろ、先生に聞いてみた方がいいんじゃない？Preferably, wouldn't it be better to ask the teacher? (The teacher will give a much more preferable answer than me)
Synonyms
というより
...is more of a... than a..., Rather than saying that...
Not studied yet
割に
Although, Despite, Rather...for, Unexpectedly, Comparatively, Considering
Not studied yet
それとも
Or, Or else, Rather
Not studied yet
逆に
On the contrary
Not studied yet
に反して
Go against, Contrary to
Not studied yet
代わりに
Instead of, In place of, In exchange for
Not studied yet
却って
All the more, On the contrary, Conversely
Not studied yet
Examples
都会よりむしろ田舎の方が好きだ。
I prefer the countryside over the city.
友人にするなら、賑やかな人よりむしろ無口なくらいの人がいい。
Rather than a lively person as a friend, a silent person is better.
一緒に悪口を言うより、むしろ悪口を言われる方がいい。
Instead of bad-mouthing together, you both should be the ones getting insulted.
旅行は楽しかったと言うより、むしろ疲れてしまった。
Rather than saying that the trip was exciting, I would say that it was tiring.
韓国に行くよりむしろ日本に行きたい。
Rather than going to Korea, I'd go to Japan.
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Advanced Adverbs
Imabi
Using むしろ to show contrast
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A Handbook of Japanese Grammar Patterns
Page 609
A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar
Page 295
[AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese
Page 116
Quartet II
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むしろ – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (4 in total)
s1212z
無口 is a ‘na’ adjective. If i had to guess, I think this is the noun くらい (位) for ranking or standing (in this case, ‘kind/grade’ of person)
I think you are right on the second one, that sounds weird! I remember thinking the same thing when I came across it.
I believe this is the ないと grammar point whi...
eefara
Of course! That makes so much more sense, haha. I didn’t even think to check to see if 無口 could act as a な-adj.
Thehipeey
On the last example text of the grammer point, is the double より intended?
“俺はMMOよりよりむしろシングルプレイヤーのゲームの方が好きだ”
Apologies if this is the incorrect place to ask.
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