Use '毋宁' in formal Chinese to express a stronger preference for one option, often implying rejection of the alternative.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Formal Chinese word for 'would rather'.
- Expresses preference for one option over another.
- Often used in 'rather than... better to...' structures.
Overview
“毋宁”是一个书面语色彩较强的词语，表示“宁可”、“宁愿”的意思。它用于表达一种权衡取舍后的选择，或者在不得已的情况下，选择相对不那么坏的选项。这个词语带有一定的否定意味，常常暗示对前面提到的情况或选择持否定态度，而肯定后面的选择。
“毋宁”通常用在“与其……毋宁……”的句式中，表示前者不如后者。它也可以单独使用，表示“宁可”的意思。在现代汉语中，虽然“宁可”、“宁愿”更常用，但“毋宁”在特定语境下仍能起到强调和增强语气的作用，尤其是在一些文学作品或正式演讲中。
“毋宁”常见于讨论选择、权衡利弊、表达决心或无奈的场合。例如，在讨论个人价值观时，可能会说“与其随波逐流，毋宁坚守原则”；在表达一种不妥协的态度时，可以说“他宁肯放弃这个机会，也不愿违背自己的良心”。
与“毋宁”意思相近的词语有“宁可”、“宁愿”、“不如”。“宁可”和“宁愿”是最常用的近义词，它们在口语和书面语中都很普遍，用法也更加灵活。“不如”则更侧重于比较两者的优劣，常用于提出建议或表达失望。“毋宁”则更具书面语色彩，语气也更显郑重和坚定。
Examples
与其苟且偷生，毋宁慷慨赴死。
formalRather than live in shame, it is better to die with honor.
与其随波逐流，毋宁坚守自己的原则。
academicRather than follow the crowd, it is better to stick to one's principles.
他认为与其浪费时间争吵，毋宁把时间用在解决问题上。
generalHe believes that instead of wasting time arguing, it's better to use the time to solve the problem.
面对压力，她选择了毋宁放弃，也不愿违背良心。
formalFaced with pressure, she would rather give up than betray her conscience.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
与其……毋宁……
Rather than... it is better to...
毋宁说
Rather; perhaps it would be better to say
Often Confused With
'宁可' is a more common and versatile synonym for 'would rather'. It is used in both spoken and written Chinese and is less formal than '毋宁'.
'不如' primarily means 'not as good as' or 'better to (do something else)'. While it can imply a preference, it's often used for direct comparison or suggesting an alternative, whereas '毋宁' focuses more on the speaker's firm decision or preference.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
1. '毋宁' is primarily a formal and literary word. 2. It is often used in the structure '与其 A, 毋宁 B' (Rather than A, it is better to B). 3. While understandable, its use in casual spoken Chinese can sound stiff or archaic. 4. Consider context carefully to ensure appropriate formality.
Common Mistakes
1. Using '毋宁' in very casual conversation where '宁可' or '宁愿' would be more natural. 2. Misunderstanding its formal tone and applying it to informal situations. 3. Confusing its comparative nuance with words like '不如'.
Tips
Emphasize Formal Preference
Use '毋宁' when you want to formally express a strong preference for one option over another, especially in writing.
Avoid in Casual Conversation
Using '毋宁' in very casual spoken Chinese might sound overly formal or archaic. Stick to '宁可' or '宁愿' for everyday chat.
Literary and Formal Tone
The word carries a classical Chinese flavor, often found in literature, formal speeches, or philosophical discussions where a more elevated tone is desired.
Word Origin
The character '毋' (wú) means 'do not' or 'no', and '宁' (níng) means 'peaceful' or 'rather'. Together, '毋宁' historically conveyed a sense of 'not seeking peace (in the undesirable option), but rather (choosing the other)'.
Cultural Context
The preference for choosing hardship or principle over ease or compromise is a recurring theme in Chinese culture, often celebrated in historical narratives and moral teachings.
Memory Tip
Think of '毋宁' as 'Wu Ning', a formal scholar who would rather choose the difficult path of principle than the easy path of compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“毋宁”比“宁可”更具书面语色彩，语气也更正式和郑重。在现代汉语中，“宁可”的使用频率更高，更口语化。两者都表示宁愿选择后者，但“毋宁”更适合出现在正式场合或文学作品中。
虽然“毋宁”主要用于书面语，但在一些需要强调语气或表达郑重决定的口语场合，也可以使用。不过，为了更自然地交流，口语中更常使用“宁可”或“宁愿”。
是的，通常情况下，“毋宁”都隐含了对前面所提情况或选项的否定，而肯定后面的选择。它强调的是一种“不选这个，选那个”的态度。
“毋宁”更多地用于表达在两种选择之间做出偏好，而不是直接比较两个事物的好坏。它侧重于表达一种主观的意愿或决心。
Test Yourself
与其苟且偷生，_______ 挺身而出。
句式为“与其……毋宁……”，表示前者不如后者，选择后者。“毋宁”最符合此结构和语境。
在困难面前，他选择了_______坚持，而不是退缩。
虽然“毋宁”也可以表示宁可，但“宁可”在此语境下更常用且自然，尤其是在口语或半正式语境中。
请用“毋宁”和“与其”造句。
这是“与其……毋宁……”的标准句式，表达了选择行动而非抱怨的倾向。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '毋宁' in formal Chinese to express a stronger preference for one option, often implying rejection of the alternative.
- Formal Chinese word for 'would rather'.
- Expresses preference for one option over another.
- Often used in 'rather than... better to...' structures.
Emphasize Formal Preference
Use '毋宁' when you want to formally express a strong preference for one option over another, especially in writing.
Avoid in Casual Conversation
Using '毋宁' in very casual spoken Chinese might sound overly formal or archaic. Stick to '宁可' or '宁愿' for everyday chat.
Literary and Formal Tone
The word carries a classical Chinese flavor, often found in literature, formal speeches, or philosophical discussions where a more elevated tone is desired.
Examples
4 of 4与其苟且偷生，毋宁慷慨赴死。
Rather than live in shame, it is better to die with honor.
与其随波逐流，毋宁坚守自己的原则。
Rather than follow the crowd, it is better to stick to one's principles.
他认为与其浪费时间争吵，毋宁把时间用在解决问题上。
He believes that instead of wasting time arguing, it's better to use the time to solve the problem.
面对压力，她选择了毋宁放弃，也不愿违背良心。
Faced with pressure, she would rather give up than betray her conscience.
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This Word in Other Languages
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朝九晚五
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废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
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充沛
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门禁
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配件
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