Explanation
Expresses preference to avoid something: 'rather than...', 'if it comes to doing X, I'd rather...'.
Formation
Verb-dictionary form + くらいなら
Detailed explanation
This grammar is used when the speaker would rather not do something or chooses another option rather than face the stated action. It’s often translated as 'rather than... I'd prefer...' or 'if it comes down to doing X, I'd rather...'.
Examples
Hitori de iku kurai nara, ie ni iru hou ga mashi desu.
I'd rather stay at home than go alone.
Makeru kurai nara, shiai o shinai hou ga ii.
Rather than lose, it's better not to compete.
Chikoku suru kurai nara, ichinichi yasunda hou ga ii.
It's better to take a day off than to be late.
Itai me ni au kurai nara, sono risuku wa sakemasu.
I'd rather avoid that risk than suffer the consequences.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.