-느니

Rather

Explanation

This expression is used when stating that while neither of the two choices expressed in the preceding and following clauses is satisfactory, the one in the following clause is the better choice.

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

Kimchi Reader

Indicates that although neither of the two choices mentioned in the preceding and following clauses is ideal, the one in the following clause is the better option.

Details

Usage

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

Examples
비가 오는 날에 <span class='focus'>걷느니</span> 차라리 집에 있을래요.
Rather than walking on a rainy day, I'd rather stay at home.
혼자서 <span class='focus'>공부하느니</span> 도서관에서 친구들과 같이 공부할게요.
Rather than studying alone, I'll study with friends at the library.
<span class="speaker-a">가:</span> 요즘은 결혼이 필수가 아니라 선택 사항이 된 것 같아요.<br><br><span class="speaker-b">나:</span> 저도 결혼해서 시댁 눈치 보랴 애들 키우랴 힘들게 사<span class='focus'>느니</span> 그냥 마음 편하게 혼자 사는 것도 나쁘지 않다고 생각해요.<br><br><span class="speaker-a">가:</span> 그래도 평생을 혼자 외롭게 지내<span class='focus'>느니</span> <span class='green'>차라리</span> 힘들더라도 둘이 함께 의지하며 사는 게 더 낫지 않을까요?<br><br><span class="speaker-b">나:</span> 음.... 그럼 안 하는 것보다 해 보고 후회하는 게 나을까요?
가: Recently, it seems that marriage has become optional rather than mandatory. 나: Instead of getting married and dealing with difficulties of in-laws and child-rearing, I think living a carefree single life is better. 가: But even so, don't you think living your life together as a (married) couple is better than living your life alone? 나: Um... So rather than not doing it, you think it's better to give it a try and to regret it later, right?

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