Definition
宁肯 is an adverb expressing a strong preference for one option over another, often used in the pattern '宁肯 A 也不 B' (would rather A than B). It emphasizes a deliberate choice, especially when the chosen option involves some sacrifice or difficulty. It's similar to 宁可 but slightly more formal and emphatic.
adv.
would ratherwould prefer to (used to indicate a choice between two alternatives, often with 也不 in the second clause)
Examples
- 宁肯,。Tā nìng kěn zìjǐ chīkuī, yě bú ràng biérén shòu wěiqu.He would rather suffer a loss himself than let others be wronged.
- 宁肯,。Wǒ nìng kěn duō zǒu yí duàn lù, yě bú zuò nàme jǐ de gōngjiāochē.I would rather walk a bit farther than take such a crowded bus.
- 宁肯,。Tā nìng kěn fàngqì zhè cì jīhuì, yě bú yuànyì shuōhuǎng.She would rather give up this opportunity than tell a lie.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.