V + -느니 (차라리) (Rather than doing..., I would rather...)
Meaning: Rather than doing A, it is better to do B (rejects an unappealing option A in favor of alternative B).
Conjugation & Pattern
- Verb stem (V) + -느니 (차라리 / 그냥 / 아예) ... -(으)ㄹ 것이다 / -겠다 / -는 게 낫다
Detailed Usage
Attaches only to verbs. The main clause frequently includes adverbs like '차라리' (rather), '그냥' (just), or '아예' (from the start) and ends with '-는 게 낫다' or '-겠다'.
Example Sentences
- 1
성격이 안 좋은 사람과 결혼하느니 차라리 혼자 살겠다.
Seonggyeogi an joteun saramgwa gyeolhonhaneuni charari honja salgetda.
Rather than marrying someone with a bad personality, I would rather live alone.
- 2
차가 이렇게 막히면 버스를 타느니 그냥 걷는 게 낫겠어요.
Chaga ireotge makhimyeon beoseureul taneuni geunyang geonneun ge natgesseoyo.
With traffic this congested, it would be better to just walk rather than take the bus.
- 3
친구 숙제를 베껴 쓰느니 아예 안 하는 게 낫다.
Chingu sukjereul bekkyeo sseuneuni aye an haneun ge natda.
Rather than copying a friend's homework, it is better not to do it at all.
Important Notes
Interchangeable with '-(으)ㄹ 바에야 / -(으)ㄹ 바에는'.
