どちらかと言うと (dochirakato uto)

if forced to choose; rather; leaning more toward ~

Meaning & usage

どちらかと言うと is a set phrase used to state a preference or judgment when comparing two options, often softening the statement with the nuance of 'if I had to say'. It stands at the start of a clause and is followed by a full sentence expressing the speaker's leaning, as in どちらかと言うと行きたくない.

Example sentences 3

  1. どちらかとうときたくない。

    I would rather not go.

  2. 「週末にベルリンに小旅行に行くのはどう?」「それもよさそうだけど、どちらかと言うと別の場所に行きたいな」

    "How about a little trip to Berlin at the weekend?" "A trip would be nice, but I'd prefer to go somewhere else."

  3. 彼の容態はどちらかと言うと朝方より悪くなっていた。

    His condition was, if anything, worse than in the morning.