Definition
宁可 (nìng kě) means 'would rather' and emphasises choosing the lesser of two evils in a forced choice between bad options (pattern 宁可…也不…). 宁愿 is similar but broader—it can express a general preference even without a negative alternative. 情愿 focuses on willingness and readiness to accept a cost, feeling more emotional or sacrificial.
adverb
would ratherto prefer (the lesser of two evils)
Examples
- 宁可，。nìng kě shǎo shuì yíhuìr, yě yào bǎ gōngzuò zuò wán.I would rather sleep a little less and still finish my work.
- 宁可，。Tā nìng kě zìjǐ chīkuī, yě bú ràng biérén shòu wěiqū.She would rather suffer a loss herself than let others be wronged.
- 宁可，。Wǒ nìng kě duō huā diǎn qián, yě yào mǎi zhìliàng hǎo de.I would rather spend more money and buy good quality.
Grammar
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