Would rather Meaning in English
expression
ˈwʊd/ /ˈɹæðɝ/, /ˈɹəðɝ
WOOD RATH-er, WOOD RUH-ther
wˈʊd/ /ɹˈɑːðɐ
wood RAH-thuh
Definition
This expression is used to say someone prefers one thing or action over another, often when making choices.
Usage & Nuances
'Would rather' is followed by the base form of a verb ('would rather go'), not 'to go.' To express preference about someone else's action, use 'would rather + subject + past simple' (e.g., 'I'd rather you stayed'). It's informal to neutral and common in spoken English.
Spanish: preferiría - preferirPortuguese (BR): preferiria - gostaria mais dePortuguese (PT): preferia - gostava mais deChinese (Simplified): 宁愿 - 更愿意Chinese (Traditional): 寧願 - 更願意Hindi: अधिक पसंद करना - बेहतर समझनाArabic: يُفَضِّل أنْBengali: অধিক পছন্দ করা - চাইতে বেশি ইচ্ছা করাRussian: предпочитать - больше хотелось быJapanese: ～したい - ～の方がいいVietnamese: muốn hơn - thích hơnKorean: 더 ~하고 싶다 - 차라리 ~하다Turkish: tercih etmek - daha çok istemekUrdu: زیادہ پسند کرنا - زیادہ چاہناIndonesian: lebih suka - lebih memilih
Example Sentences
I would rather stay at home tonight.
basic
Would you rather eat pizza or pasta?
basic
She would rather walk than drive.
basic
Honestly, I would rather not talk about it right now.
natural
I'd rather you didn't call so late.
natural
Most people would rather avoid conflict if they can.
natural