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むしろ

rather, if anything

(A より) むしろ B

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むしろ corrects an expectation by saying the opposite, or something else, is more accurate: 今日は寒くない。むしろ暑いくらいだ, "it's not cold today. If anything, it's hot".

It often follows より: 都会よりむしろ田舎に住みたい, "I'd rather live in the countryside than the city". It says B is preferable, or truer, than the obvious choice A.

It's common after a negative statement, to flip it: 失敗は悪いことではない。むしろいい経験だ, "failure isn't bad. If anything, it's good experience".

Compare もっと ("more"), which only adds degree. むしろ switches to a different answer.

Examples

  • 今日きょうは寒さむくない。むしろ暑あついくらいだ。

    It's not cold today. If anything, it's hot.

  • 失敗しっぱいは悪わるいことではない。むしろいい経験けいけんだ。

    Failure isn't a bad thing. If anything, it's good experience.

  • 謝あやまるより、むしろお礼れいを言いいたい。

    Rather than apologise, I'd like to say thank you.

  • 都会とかいよりむしろ田舎いなかに住すみたい。

    I'd rather live in the countryside than the city.

  • 彼かれは怒おこるどころか、むしろ喜よろこんでいた。

    Far from being angry, he actually seemed pleased.

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