HSK 6
宁愿
nìngyuàn
would rather
Structure
Subject + 宁愿 + Option A + (也不 / 也要 / 也要) + Option B
How it works
The grammar point '宁愿' (nìngyuàn) is used to express a preference for a less-than-ideal option over an even worse alternative. It indicates that the speaker has made a choice after weighing two options, often implying a sense of sacrifice or determination.
Examples
我宁愿辞职，也不愿意违背自己的原则。
Wǒ nìngyuàn cízhí, yě bù yuànyì wéibèi zìjǐ de yuánzé.
I would rather resign than go against my principles.
为了追求梦想，他宁愿过着贫困的生活。
Wèile zhuīqiú mèngxiǎng, tā nìngyuàn guòzhe pínkùn de shēnghuó.
To pursue his dream, he would rather live a life of poverty.
咱们宁愿多花点时间检查，也要确保万无一失。
Zánmen nìngyuàn duō huā diǎn shíjiān jiǎnchá, yě yào quèbǎo wànwúyīshī.
We'd rather spend more time checking to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
Common mistakes
Confusing '宁愿' with '宁可'. While they are mostly synonymous, '宁愿' feels more subjective and emotional, whereas '宁可' is often used for pragmatic choices.
Tip
When '宁愿' is followed by '也要', it emphasizes that the speaker is willing to pay a certain price (Option A) to achieve a positive goal (Option B).
More HSK 6 grammar
See 宁愿 in real Chinese
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