N180/186

ぐらいなら

Verb (dictionary form) + ぐらいならNoun + ぐらいならい-adjective + ぐらいならな-adjective + ぐらいなら

Meanings

  • Would rather... than
  • Rather than
  • Better off

About this pattern

Explanation

ぐらいなら is used to express that, if a certain option is the case or the situation is a certain way, the speaker would rather choose a different action or be in a different state. It conveys a sense of comparison between the given situation and an alternative that the speaker believes is more desirable or reasonable. It often implies some degree of resignation or practicality, and is commonly used in everyday decisions or reactions to hypothetical situations. It focuses on the speaker’s preference for the second option over the first.

Learn in context

Example sentences

この程度の労力なら、私がやるぐらいなら、誰かに任せる。

If it’s this much effort, I’d rather have someone else handle it.

雨が降るぐらいなら、出かけるのをやめよう。

If it’s going to rain, let’s not go out.

そんな恥ずかしい思いをするぐらいなら、誰にも会わずに家にいます。

If it means enduring that kind of embarrassment, I’d rather stay home and not see anyone.

風邪を引くぐらいなら、今日は休んだほうがいい。

If I’m going to catch a cold, it’s better to rest today.