むしろ
mushiro
The English phrase 'rather' (meaning 'more precisely') is translated into Japanese as むしろ (mushiro).
むしろ is used to express a preference for one option over another, or to correct a previous statement by suggesting a more accurate alternative, such as 'on the contrary'.
Meaning: more precisely (adv)
How do you pronounce it?
mushiro
Did you know?
- In Japanese, a speaker might use むしろ to actually agree with a criticism. For example, if called 'stubborn', one might use it to suggest that being stubborn is actually a positive trait.
- In modern internet slang and casual speech, むしろ is sometimes used as a standalone reaction to express a surprising but strong agreement with a niche or strange opinion.
- When used in a debate, むしろ is a key tool for 're-framing'. Instead of denying a point, a speaker uses it to suggest that the opponent's argument actually proves the opposite point.
Examples in context
- 私はむしろ田舎に一人で住みたい。I would rather live alone in the country.This example shows how to express a preference for living in the country.Tatoeba #158823 by bunbuku, translation #255704 by CK
- 私は魚よりもむしろ鳥になりたい。I'd rather be a bird than a fish.This example shows how to express a preference for being a bird rather than a fish.Tatoeba #1168428 by bunbuku, translation #2474 by fcbond
- 子どもたちよりむしろ親たちに責任がある。The parents, rather than the children, are to blame.This example shows how to assign responsibility to parents rather than children.Tatoeba #168873 by small_snow, translation #245617 by Eldad
- むしろその方法を試してみるべきです。Rather, you should try that method.
- かえって、この計画は危険かもしれません。It might be rather dangerous, on the contrary.
- どちらかと言うと、私は甘いものより辛いものが好き。I rather prefer spicy food to sweets, if you ask me.
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their preferences for a movie genre.
- 美咲 Misakiホラー映画が好きなの？Horā eiga ga suki na no?Do you like horror movies?
- 蓮 Renいや、むしろコメディの方が好きだよ。Iya, mushiro komedi no hō ga suki da yo.No, rather, I prefer comedies.
- 美咲 Misaki蓮君は明るい話が好きなんだね。Ren-kun wa akarui hanashi ga suki nan da ne.Ren, you really like bright stories, don't you?
- 蓮 Renそうなんだ。リラックスできるから。Sō nan da. Rirakkusu dekiru kara.That's right. Because they help me relax.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry むしろ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
