どちらかと言うと (dochirakato uto)

Meaning & usage

どちらかと言うと expresses a mild preference or judgment when choosing between two alternatives, meaning rather or leaning more toward one side. It is a fixed adverbial phrase placed before the predicate and can precede nouns, na-adjectives, i-adjectives, and verbs without changing its own form. It softens opinions in polite conversation, but it should mark a choice between options rather than a general increase in degree with より.

Example sentences 6

1. 彼かれは、どちらかというと、分別ふんべつのある人ひとだ。

   He, if anything, is a sensible man.

2. あの人にはどちらかというと難しいでしょう。

   It will be rather difficult for him.

3. どちらかと言うと行きたくない。

   I would rather not go.

4. 今晩はどちらかというと映画に行くより家にいたい。

   I would rather stay at home than go to the movies tonight.

5. 日本のクリスマスは、どちらかというと恋人たちの日です。

   Christmas in Japan is, if anything, a day for couples.

6. 「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."