与其…不如…: rather than…, better to…
复句 / complex sentences
Tone colorsā tone 1á tone 2ǎ tone 3à tone 4a neutral
You compare two options and pick the second: "rather than A, better to B". 与其 introduces the rejected option, 不如 the preferred one.
Often strengthened with 还 or 倒: 与其…还不如…/倒不如…. Watch the order: it's the reverse of 宁可 (where the chosen option comes first).
Examples
与其在家里抱怨，不如出去找找机会。
Yǔqí zài jiā lǐ bàoyuàn, bùrú chūqu zhǎozhao jīhuì.Rather than complaining at home, go out and look for opportunities.
与其让孩子上那么多补习班，还不如让他多睡一会儿。
Yǔqí ràng háizi shàng nàme duō bǔxíbān, hái bùrú ràng tā duō shuì yíhuìr.Rather than sending the kid to so many cram classes, better to let him sleep a bit more.
与其花钱买名牌，倒不如存起来。
Yǔqí huā qián mǎi míngpái, dào bùrú cún qǐlái.Rather than spending on brands, you'd be better off saving.
Common mistakes
✗ 与其…还是… → ✓ 与其…不如….
✗ Swapping the options: 与其 always carries the rejected choice.
✗ Subject placement: ✓ 与其…，我们不如… (subject before 不如).