Decoded Slug: 与其...不如... (yǔqí...bùrú...) - Rather than... it's better to...
Mandarin Grammar Point
与其...不如... (yǔqí...bùrú...) - Rather than... it's better to...
与其...不如... (yǔqí...bùrú...) - Rather than... it's better to...
Short explanation:
This structure is used to express a preference toward one thing or action over another.
Formation:
与其 + Negative Option + 不如 + Preferred Option
Examples:
与其在家里看电视，不如出去走走。
Yǔqí zài jiālǐ kàn diànshì, bù rú chūqù zǒu zǒu.
Rather than watching TV at home, it's better to go out for a walk.
与其花钱买这个，不如把钱省下来。
Yǔqí huā qián mǎi zhège, bù rú bǎ qián shěng xiàlái.
Rather than spending money on this, it's better to save the money.
与其吃快餐，不如自己做饭。
Yǔqí chī kuàicān, bùrú zìjǐ zuò fàn.
Rather than eating fast food, it's better to cook yourself.
与其抱怨，不如采取行动来改变。
Yǔqí bàoyuàn, bùrú cǎiqǔ xíngdòng lái gǎibiàn.
Rather than complaining, it's better to take action to change.
Long explanation:
与其...不如... is an important comparative structure in Mandarin Chinese. It signals a decision or preference, suggesting that rather than the first option, it would be better to choose the second one. It directly compares two alternatives and expresses a clear preference for the latter part. This is akin to using 'rather than' in English.