rather, better, instead, if anything
A より(は/も)
Used to compare two actions or things, indicating a clear preference or better choice. It expresses that rather than choosing A, B is desired or preferred.
Verb dictionary form + より(は/も)
Compares two actions. It states that doing the second action is preferable to doing the first. Often followed by 方がいい to emphasize the better choice.
電車で行くよりは
I would rather walk than go by train.
Noun + より(は/も)
Compares two nouns. It states that the second noun is preferred over the first noun. Often followed by の方が to specify the chosen item.
肉より
I like fish rather than meat.
The particles は and も are optional but can be added after より to emphasize the contrast. Using 方が after the second choice makes the preference more explicit but can also be omitted.
A というより(は/も)
Used to correct a description, judgment, or statement. It indicates that rather than describing the situation as A, it is much more accurate to describe it as B.
Verb / い-Adjective + というより(は/も)
Attaches to the informal form of verbs and い-Adjectives to rephrase an action or state.
走ったというよりは
He flew rather than ran.
怖いというよりは
It is interesting rather than scary.
な-Adjective / Noun + というより(は/も)
Attaches to the stem of な-Adjectives or Nouns. The copula だ or である can be included but is often omitted.
綺麗というよりは
She is cute rather than beautiful.
医者というより
He is a researcher rather than a doctor.
This formation focuses on objective accuracy or subjective perception rather than a preference of choice. It clarifies what is really happening.
A くらいなら
Used to express a strong aversion to a certain action. It means that if one is forced to do A, they would rather do extreme alternative B.
Verb dictionary form + くらいなら/のなら/んなら +
Attaches to a verb representing a highly undesirable action, followed by an extreme preference.
嘘をつくくらいなら
I would rather stay silent than tell a lie.
This grammar point is highly dramatic and emotional. It shows that the first option is absolutely unacceptable to the speaker.