Verbる くらいなら (〜ru kurai nara)
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
一人で行くくらいなら、家にいるほうがましです。
Hitori de iku kurai nara, ie ni iru hou ga mashi desu.
I'd rather stay at home than go alone.
負けるくらいなら、試合をしないほうがいい。
Makeru kurai nara, shiai o shinai hou ga ii.
Rather than lose, it's better not to compete.
遅刻するくらいなら、一日休んだほうがいい。
Chikoku suru kurai nara, ichinichi yasunda hou ga ii.
It's better to take a day off than to be late.
痛い目に遭うくらいなら、そのリスクは避けます。
Itai me ni au kurai nara, sono risuku wa sakemasu.
I'd rather avoid that risk than suffer the consequences.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.