〜くらいなら
Formation
Meaning
Used to express that while both options are undesirable, the second option is slightly better or preferable compared to the first extreme or very negative option.
Note
Indicates the speaker's strong judgment that the first option is so undesirable that even an extreme alternative in the second part of the sentence is preferable. It is often followed by expressions like '〜ほうがましだ' (is better/preferable) or '〜ほうがいい'. Conveys a sense of subjective choice between two negatives. Usually used with verbs in the dictionary form.
Examples
あんな店に行くくらいなら、何も食べないほうがましだ。
Rather than going to such a shop, it's better to eat nothing at all.
彼に謝るくらいなら、会社を辞めたほうがいい。
Rather than apologizing to him, I'd rather quit the company.
途中で止めるくらいなら、初めからやらないほうがいい。
Rather than stopping halfway through, it's better not to start at all.
嫌な仕事を一生続けるくらいなら、貧乏な生活のほうがましだ。
Rather than continuing an unpleasant job for the rest of my life, a poor life is better.
あの人の話を聞くくらいなら、自分で調べたほうが早い。
Rather than listening to what he says, it's faster to look it up myself.
嘘をつくくらいなら、本当のことを言って怒られたほうがいい。
Rather than telling a lie, it's better to tell the truth and get scolded.