HSK 7
与其⋯⋯ ，不如⋯⋯
yǔ qí ⋯ ⋯ ， bù rú ⋯ ⋯
与其⋯⋯，不如⋯⋯ (Rather than... better to...)
Explanation
与其⋯⋯，不如⋯⋯ (yǔqí... bùrú...) is a compound-sentence structure of choice (a multi-clause sentence presenting options to choose between) meaning "rather than... it would be better to...," comparing two options and choosing the latter because it is seen as preferable.
与其 (yǔqí) + the rejected option, 不如 (bùrú) + the chosen option (often with 还, hái, added for emphasis: 还不如).
when expressing the subjective view that, of two ways, the second is more worth doing; used in both spoken and written language.
note the order is reversed from Vietnamese — the 与其 clause (which comes first) is the one being rejected, and the 不如 clause (which comes second) is the one chosen; when translating into Vietnamese "thà... còn hơn...," the positions usually have to be swapped.
mistakenly swapping the content of the two clauses (placing the option you want to choose after 与其); using 与其...不如... to compare two equal things without any choice of action (wrong — this structure always implies weighing and then choosing one).
Examples
Rather than going hiking, it would be better to stay home and watch TV.
Rather than wasting time here, we had better review our lessons seriously.
Practice
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Learn “与其⋯⋯ ，不如⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “与其⋯⋯ ，不如⋯⋯” (与其⋯⋯，不如⋯⋯ (Rather than... better to...)) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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