宁可
níngkě · HSK 7
rather
⚖️ 宁可 = 宁 (would rather) + 可 (acceptable) — pick the option you can accept
宁 carries the would-rather sense and 可 means can or acceptable, so the compound is the choice you would rather settle for. Often pairs with 也不 (rather X than Y), naming the lesser evil you accept over a worse one.
可 — mouth 口 + breath marker 丁 (modified)
可 originally depicted a mouth (口) with a curved stroke suggesting exhaled breath or speech, conveying approval or assent. From this came the meaning 'to permit' or 'can,' as granting permission was expressed verbally. Today it broadly means 'may,' 'can,' or 'approve.'