いっそのこと

adverb

might as well; rather; if anything

1. might as well; rather; if anything

Used when suggesting a drastic or bold alternative, implying that since the current situation is difficult or unsatisfying, one might as well take a bigger step.

いっそのこと引(ひ)っ越(こ)そうか。

Maybe I should just go ahead and move.

修理(しゅうり)するより、いっそのこと新(あたら)しいのを買(か)おう。

Rather than repairing it, let's just buy a new one.

こんなに残業(ざんぎょう)が多(おお)いなら、いっそのこと転職(てんしょく)したほうがいいかもしれない。

If there's this much overtime, maybe I'd be better off just changing jobs.

Expresses the idea of taking a drastic or decisive step rather than continuing with half-measures. The speaker is typically frustrated with the current situation and suggests a bold alternative. Can also be shortened to いっそ.

Usage

Often appears with volitional forms (〜よう/〜ようか) or suggestion patterns (〜たほうがいい). The suggestion following いっそのこと is usually something more extreme or decisive than what one might normally consider.

Common patterns

いっそのこと〜よう: might as well do...
いっそのこと〜たほうがいい: it would be better to just...
いっそのこと〜してしまおう: let's just go ahead and...

Similar words

いっそ: might as well — shorter form, same meaning
むしろ: rather, instead — expresses preference between two options without the drastic nuance
思(おも)い切(き)って: making up one's mind, boldly — focuses on the act of deciding rather than suggesting an alternative

Related Words

Related: いっそ (might as well)

Compare: むしろ (rather, instead)

Compare: 思(おも)い切(き)って (making up one's mind, boldly)

general

Added 2026.3.30 3:13 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

20500/20574_issonokoto