情愿 qíngyuàn willingness
willingness; would rather (agree to X than Y)
How to remember 情愿: 情 feeling + 愿 wish = willingness.
Characters
How it is used
- Willingly, of one's own accord - or "would rather" in a comparison - 我情愿一个人待着 (wǒ qíngyuàn yíge rén dāizhe) I'd rather be alone.
- The 甘…情愿 frame: 心甘情愿 (xīngān-qíngyuàn) do sth totally willingly; 宁可…也…情愿 for "rather X than Y."
- Stresses inner willingness/preference, often accepting a downside gladly.
Example sentences
- 他不情愿地同意了我的提案。 Tā bù qíngyuàn de tóngyì le wǒ de tí'àn.He reluctantly agreed to my proposal.