〜くらいなら / 〜ぐらいなら
Frequent Usages
- 行きたくないくらいなら、最初から断ればいい
- そんな仕事をするぐらいなら、アルバイトのほうがいい
- 嘘をつくくらいなら、本当のことを言ったほうがいい
- 朝早く起きるくらいなら、夜に頑張りたい
Meaning and Usage
The phrases "〜くらいなら" and "〜ぐらいなら" express a negative preference, often translating to "if it’s going to be as bad as..." or "if you’re going to go as far as...". They indicate that one would rather choose an alternative option than do the stated action, implying that the action or situation in question is highly undesirable or unpleasant.
Common translations include "if you’re going to..." or "if it’s to the point that... then I’d rather..." and are often used to make a contrasting or comparative statement expressing that one alternative is better than the other.
Form
- Verb (辞書形) + くらいなら / ぐらいなら
Used to indicate that if one is going to do the action of the verb, it would be preferable to choose a different option.
あんな人と結婚するくらいなら、一人のほうがいい
あんなひととけっこんするくらいなら、ひとりのほうがいい
"If it’s going to be marrying someone like that, I’d rather stay single." - Noun + くらいなら / ぐらいなら
Used with nouns to convey that if the choice involves that noun, a different option would be preferable.
無理して参加するくらいなら、家でゆっくりしたい
むりしてさんかするくらいなら、いえでゆっくりしたい
"If it means forcing myself to join, I’d rather relax at home."
When to Use It
Use "〜くらいなら" or "〜ぐらいなら" when you want to express a strong negative feeling about an action or situation and would prefer an alternative over it. This structure is ideal for comparisons where the main action is viewed as undesirable, and a less unpleasant alternative is suggested.
- To say you’d rather choose a simpler or easier option than a particular unpleasant task:
無理して出かけるくらいなら、家でのんびりしたほうがいい
むりしてでかけるくらいなら、いえでのんびりしたほうがいい
"If it means going out and forcing myself, I’d rather relax at home." - To emphasize that one choice is so undesirable that an alternative, even if imperfect, would be better:
あんなに嫌な仕事をするぐらいなら、他の仕事を探すべきだ
あんなにいやなしごとをするぐらいなら、ほかのしごとをさがすべきだ
"If it’s going to be that unpleasant a job, it would be better to look for another one."
Examples for Each Form
- Verb (辞書形) + くらいなら / ぐらいなら
- 苦労するくらいなら、安いものを買うほうがいい
くろうするくらいなら、やすいものをかうほうがいい
"If it’s going to be that much trouble, it’s better to buy something cheap." - 徹夜するぐらいなら、もう少し早く起きたい
てつやするぐらいなら、もうすこしはやくおきたい
"If it means staying up all night, I’d rather wake up a little earlier."
- Noun + くらいなら / ぐらいなら
- インスタントラーメンくらいなら、何も食べたくない
インスタントラーメンくらいなら、なにもたべたくない
"If it’s just instant ramen, I’d rather eat nothing." - 渋滞の中を運転するくらいなら、電車で行ったほうがいい
じゅうたいのなかをうんてんするくらいなら、でんしゃでいったほうがいい
"If it means driving through traffic, I’d rather take the train."
Improper Usage
Avoid using "〜くらいなら" or "〜ぐらいなら" for neutral or positive situations, as these structures inherently carry a negative nuance. They are meant for cases where the speaker finds one option undesirable and would strongly prefer an alternative.
Key Points to Remember
- Use "〜くらいなら" or "〜ぐらいなら" to express that you would prefer a different option over an undesirable action or situation.
- This structure is ideal for strong preferences where the main option is seen as unpleasant.
- Both forms are interchangeable, with "〜くらいなら" and "〜ぐらいなら" differing only slightly in pronunciation.
Formality
"〜くらいなら" and "〜ぐらいなら" are neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though they are more commonly used in spoken Japanese to express personal preferences.
Example Sentences
- 残業するくらいなら、給料が少なくてもいい
ざんぎょうするくらいなら、きゅうりょうがすくなくてもいい
"If it means doing overtime, I’d rather have a lower salary." - 辛いものを食べるぐらいなら、何も食べないほうがましだ
からいものをたべるぐらいなら、なにもたべないほうがましだ
"If it’s going to be spicy food, I’d rather not eat anything." - そんな無理をするくらいなら、やめたほうがいい
そんなむりをするくらいなら、やめたほうがいい
"If it means pushing yourself so hard, it’s better to quit." - つまらない話を聞くくらいなら、自分で調べる
つまらないはなしをきくくらいなら、じぶんでしらべる
"If it means listening to a boring story, I’d rather look it up myself." - 高いお金を払うぐらいなら、自分で作る
たかいおかねをはらうぐらいなら、じぶんでつくる
"If it means paying a lot of money, I’d rather make it myself."
