What does this sentence mean?

[maxchu]

犬と 猫と どちらが 役に 立つと 思いますが？

As per title, thanks in advance.

 

[Glenn]

"Which do you think will be most helpful, a cat or a dog?"

By the way, when using kanji there's no need for spaces. It actually makes it a bit strange to read.

 

[maxchu]

"Which do you think will be most helpful, a cat or a dog?"

By the way, when using kanji there's no need for spaces. It actually makes it a bit strange to read.

Thanks for the prompt response. The sentence is just like that in my text book, and I am just copying it. So you think

犬と猫と どちらが 役に立つと 思いますが？is easier to read?

Also, how do you look up 役に立つ? I can find 役に and 立つ in my dictionary, but not 役に立つ. Maybe my dictionary is not good enough...

 

[Glenn]

I meant no spaces at all: 犬と猫とどちらが役に立つと思いますか。

Have you tried looking under 役? It's an oft used set phrase, so I can't imagine that it wouldn't be in your dictionary.

 

[Mikawa Ossan]

Another way to think of 役に立つ is "useful".

It seems like a strange sentence to me all on its own, but I'm sure it would sound right in an appropriate setting.

 

[maxchu]

I meant no spaces at all: 犬と猫とどちらが役に立つと思いますか。

Have you tried looking under 役? It's an oft used set phrase, so I can't imagine that it wouldn't be in your dictionary.

Ha, as you said, it's under 役に. Thanks a lot.

 

[maxchu]

Another way to think of 役に立つ is "useful".
It seems like a strange sentence to me all on its own, but I'm sure it would sound right in an appropriate setting.

Thanks. I got its meaning in my dictionary. I too think the sentence is a weird one.

 

[Elizabeth]

Thanks. I got its meaning in my dictionary. I too think the sentence is a weird one.

ネコはねずみを殺すのに、役に立つだけだと思います。 I think cats are only useful for killing rats. Without a doubt, it is dogs.... .