-(으)ㄹ 바에야

Rather

Explanation

This expression is used when stating a preference between two options when neither of them is the best option.

The option presented in the preceding clause is either not a viable option or is considered inappropriate given circumstances, while the following clause represents the option chosen over the previews option.

This expression only attaches to verbs and the word 차라리 or 아예 is often used in the following clause.

Details

This expression can be replaced with -느니 with no major change in meaning.

적성에 맞지 않는 일을 하면서 마음고생을 하느니 차라리 몸이 힘든 일을 하는 게 낫겠어요.
뭐든지 꾸준히 해야지. 중간에 하다가 그만두느니 아예 처음부터 안 하는 게 나아.

Kimchi Reader

Used when expressing a preference between two choices, where neither is ideal. The first choice is either not feasible or inappropriate, so the second choice is selected instead.

Details

Usage

The words 차라리 or 아예 are often used in the following clause.

Examples
그 영화를 <span class='focus'>볼 바에야</span> 차라리 책을 읽겠어요.
Rather than watching that movie, I would prefer to read a book.
혼자 <span class='focus'>갈 바에야</span> 친구랑 같이 가는 게 낫겠어요.
If I have to go alone, it's better to go with a friend.
<span class="speaker-a">가:</span> 요즘 다이어트를 하고 있는데 저는 물만 마셔도 살이 찌니 괴로워요.<br><br><span class="speaker-b">나:</span> 지금이 어디가 어때서 그래요? 귀엽고 딱 보기 좋은데요.<br><br><span class="speaker-a">가:</span> 다들 뚱뚱하다는 얘기를 그렇게 돌려서 말하는데 통통해서 귀엽다는 말을 들<span class='focus'>을 바에야</span> 차라리 말라 보인다는 말이 더 나아요. 전 좀 빼야 해요.<br><br><span class="speaker-b">나:</span> 여자들은 왜 그런지 모르겠어요. 그렇게 스트레스를 받으면서 다이어트를 <span class='focus'>할 바에야</span> 살이 좀 쪄도 마음이 편한 게 낫지 않아요?
가: Recently, I've been dieting, but I gain weight even if I only drink water, so it's distressing. 나: But what's wrong with how you are now? You're cute and look just fine. 가: Well, everyone talks about how fat I am that way, so I'd rather people say that I look thin than hear about how chubby and cute I am. I've got to lose some weight. 나: I don't understand why women are like that. Rather than diet and get all stressed out, isn't it better just to be relaxed even if you're a little heavier?

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