くらいなら (kurai-nara): Rather than; if it means
～くらいなら (kurai-nara)
Meaning
Rather than; if it means
Formation and usage
V dictionary + くらいなら
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Rejects an undesirable option in favor of a preferred alternative.
Examples
うそをつくくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to tell a lie.
秘密を漏らすくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to reveal the secret.
約束を破るくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to break a promise.
仲間を裏切るくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to betray one's teammates.
責任を放棄するくらいなら、何も言わないほうがいい。
It is better to say nothing than to abandon one's responsibilities.
How related patterns differ
ばいいのに can advise or regret; せめて sets a minimum and なるべく the best feasible effort. あえて deliberately acts despite difficulty. くらいなら prefers an alternative; くらいで treats a reason as minor, てまで marks an extreme price, and ないまでも lowers a requirement.