Japanese grammar
What does ～だけまし mean? Japanese grammar N1
～だけまし means at least better than…; should be thankful that….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Plain form + だけましだ |
| Romaji | dakemashi |
| Meaning | at least better than…; should be thankful that… |
Forming it
| Connection | plain form + だけましだ |
|---|
How to use it
The situation is inherently bad, but comparatively still better than the worst case. A consolation, not praise.
- 「～だけましだ」 = at least there's the fact that... so it's a bit better: 「給料は低いが、仕事があるだけましだ」.
- 「まし」 means "less bad", NOT "good" — so the sentence always implicitly acknowledges the situation is bad.
- The preceding clause often states the bad point with 「～が／～けど」 before concluding with 「だけましだ」.
Examples
雨でも、風がないだけましだ。
It is raining, but at least there is no wind.
給料は低いが、仕事があるだけましだ。
The pay is low, but at least I have a job.
Keep in mind
- It's 「だけまし」, not 「ほどまし」.
- Not used when the situation is already good.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong仕事があるほどましだ。
Correct仕事があるだけましだ。
The "at least" evaluative phrase uses だけましだ.
Exam tips
- 「だけましだ」 = at least it's a bit better (the situation is still bad); 「まし」 ≠ good.