Grammar › N3 · 05 Contrast, degree and extent

〜くらいなら: rather than; if it means

N3 · 05 Contrast, degree and extent

Says that you prefer the other option to the first bad one.

Verb dictionary form + くらいなら (ぐらいなら), followed by a preferred option. The first choice is something you really dislike.

Examples

あの人ひとに頼たのむくらいなら、自分じぶんでやったほうがいい。

Rather than ask that person, I had better do it myself.

電車でんしゃで二に時間じかんかかるくらいなら、引っ越ひっこしたい。

If it takes two hours by train, I would rather move.