chẳng bằng
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Conjunction/Adverbial phrase:
- Would rather; It's better to: Used to express a clear preference for one option over another, implying that the second option is inferior or less desirable. It introduces the preferred choice.
- Not as good as; Cannot compare to: Used to state that one thing does not measure up to another in terms of quality, value, or desirability.
Usage Examples
Expressing a clear preference (Would rather):
- Đi lang thang ngoài phố chẳng bằng đi nằm. (Wandering the streets is not as good as going to bed. / I'd rather go to bed than wander the streets.)
- Ăn đồ ăn nguội chẳng bằng nấu một bữa đơn giản. (Eating cold food is not as good as cooking a simple meal. / I'd rather cook a simple meal than eat cold food.)
Stating inferiority (Not as good as):
- Cái áo này đẹp, nhưng chẳng bằng cái áo kia. (This shirt is nice, but it's not as good as that one.)
- Nói nhiều chẳng bằng làm thật. (Talking a lot is not as good as doing it for real.)
Advanced Usage
- "Chẳng bằng..." at the beginning of a sentence: Often used to give advice or make a strong suggestion by presenting the preferred alternative first.
- Chẳng bằng chúng ta nghỉ ngơi một chút. (We might as well rest a bit. / It would be better if we rest a bit.)
- Used in comparative structures: The structure typically is: [Negative Option] + chẳng bằng + [Preferred/Better Option].
- Chờ đợi vô vọng chẳng bằng chủ động tìm kiếm cơ hội. (Waiting hopelessly is not as good as proactively seeking opportunities.)
Variants and Related Words
- Không bằng: A more neutral synonym meaning "not equal to" or "not as good as." It is slightly less emphatic than chẳng bằng.
- Tài năng của anh ấy không bằng sự chăm chỉ. (His talent is not equal to his diligence.)
- Thà... còn hơn...: A common structure for "would rather... than..." which explicitly states both choices.
- Thà im lặng còn hơn nói sai. (I'd rather stay silent than say the wrong thing.)
Synonyms
- Tốt hơn là: Better to.
- Nên: Should (less forceful, more suggestive).
Related Phrases/Idioms
- Chẳng thà: A variant often used in the structure "Chẳng thà... còn hơn..." meaning "Might as well... rather than..." or "Would rather... than...". It expresses a resigned or pragmatic preference.
- Chẳng thà chấp nhận sự thật còn hơn sống trong ảo tưởng. (Might as well accept the truth rather than live in illusion.)
- Would rather