Explanation

むしろ is an adverb that is used to indicate a preference or to express a contrary opinion. It is often translated as 'rather', 'preferably', 'instead', or 'on the contrary'. It is commonly used in speech and writing to present an alternative viewpoint or emphasize a different choice.

Personalized Lesson For You!

Key Formation

• むしろ + Verb

  むしろ走る (Rather run)

• むしろ + Adjective

  むしろ簡単 (Rather easy)

• むしろ + Noun

  むしろ映画 (Rather a movie)

Example Sentences

• 彼女はむしろ自分でやりたいと言った。

  She said she would rather do it herself.

  かのじょはむしろじぶんでやりたいといった。

  Kanojo wa mushiro jibun de yaritai to itta.

  Pronunciation

• 私はむしろ家にいる方が好きだ。

  I rather prefer staying at home.

  わたしはむしろいえにいるほうがすきだ。

  Watashi wa mushiro ie ni iru hou ga suki da.

  Pronunciation

• あのレストランは高いけど、むしろそこで食べたい。

  That restaurant is expensive, but I would prefer to eat there.

  あのれすとらんはたかいけど、むしろそこでたべたい。

  Ano resutoran wa takai kedo, mushiro soko de tabetai.

  Pronunciation

• 彼の提案よりもむしろ私の意見に賛成だ。

  Rather than his suggestion, I agree with my own opinion.

  かれのていあんよりもむしろわたしのいけんにさんせいだ。

  Kare no teian yori mo mushiro watashi no iken ni sansei da.

  Pronunciation

• 彼はむしろ忙しいと言い続けた。

  He kept saying he was rather busy.

  かれはむしろいそがしいといいつづけた。

  Kare wa mushiro isogashii to iitsuzuketa.

  Pronunciation

Usage Notes

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

Related Grammar, and what's the difference?

• むしろ ~ 方 (mushiro ~ hou) - (N2)
  - While むしろ (mushiro) alone is used to express a preference or contrary opinion, むしろ〜方 (mushiro ~ hou) is used to emphasize a choice or preference among options.
• むしろ ~ の方が (mushiro ~ no hou ga) - (N2)
  - Similar to むしろ〜方 (mushiro ~ hou), むしろ〜の方が (mushiro ~ no hou ga) is used to compare two options and emphasize a preference for one over the other.
• いや、むしろ (iya, mushiro) - (N2)
  - いや、むしろ (iya, mushiro) is used to introduce a contrasting or alternative opinion after expressing disagreement or opposition.
• …というより eerily (…to iu yori eerily) - (N2)
  - While むしろ (mushiro) is used to express a preference or contrary opinion, …というより eerily (…to iu yori eerily) is used to describe something as being more accurately or appropriately described in a certain way.

Useful Vocabulary that appeared in this page

• * 自分 (じぶん)oneselfPronunciation
• * 家 (いえ)homePronunciation
• * 好き (すき)likePronunciation
• * 食べる (たべる)to eatPronunciation
• * 提案 (ていあん)suggestionPronunciation
• * 意見 (いけん)opinionPronunciation
• * 賛成 (さんせい)agreementPronunciation
• * 忙しい (いそがしい)busyPronunciation

Quiz

Which of the following means 'I prefer reading books'?

• むしろ本を読むのが好きです。
• 私はむしろ本を読みます。
• ほかのことよりも本を読むのが好きです。