Translation guide
A phrase used to correct or rephrase what was just said, introducing a more accurate or precise statement.
The speaker wants to replace or refine a previous statement with a more accurate one.
Used to say 'rather than that, it's more like...' or 'it's not so much X as Y'. Very common in spoken and written Japanese.
彼は怒っているというより、悲しんでいるんだ。
He's not so much angry as sad.
これは便利というより、必要だ。
This is not so much convenient as necessary.
Means 'rather' or 'instead'. Often used to present a preferred or more accurate alternative. Can be used at the beginning of a sentence.
Casual and conversational. Used to rephrase or correct oneself, similar to 'or rather' or 'I mean'. Often used in spoken Japanese.
彼は優しいと言うか、甘いだけだよ。
He's not kind, or rather, he's just soft.
Literally 'no', used to correct oneself. Very casual and abrupt. Often followed by a rephrasing.
彼は来ると思う。いや、来ないかもしれない。
I think he'll come. Or rather, he might not.
彼は先生というより、むしろ友達のような存在だ。
He's more like a friend than a teacher.
むしろ、こっちの方がいいと思う。
Or rather, I think this one is better.