ぐらいなら
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
Would rather... than
Rather than
Better off
Usage
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
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.
この程度の労力なら、私がやるぐらいなら、誰かに任せる。
このていどのろうりょくなら、わたしがやるぐらいなら、だれかにまかせる。
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。
あめがふるぐらいなら、で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。
そんなはずかしいおもいをするぐらいなら、だれにもあわずにいえにいます。
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。
かぜをひくぐらいなら、きょうはやすんだほうがいい。
If I’m going to catch a cold, it’s better to rest today.