ning4 ho2寧可宁可
Jyutpingning4 ho2
Yalenìhng hó
Definition
Would rather; to prefer the lesser of two evils when faced with a choice.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
This term expresses a deliberate choice between two undesirable or difficult options. It often pairs with 都唔 or 亦唔 to emphasize the rejection of the alternative. While it carries a sense of resignation, it is frequently used to justify a decision that prioritizes safety or personal preference over convenience.
Examples
I would rather eat noodles than rice.
Related words
Common phrases
better to believe it exists
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple preference, but it specifically implies that neither option is ideal. Using it for a positive preference, like saying you would rather go to a party, sounds unnatural; use 鍾意或者 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
