～だけましだ

〜dake mashi da

JLPT N2 Chapter 104: As you would expect of it, 2 of 6

Formation

Verb-casual + だけましだ, い-Adjective + だけましだ, な-Adjective + だけましだ, Noun + だけましだ

Expresses that although the situation isn’t ideal, it could be worse; 'it’s not great, but at least...'.

Explanation

The ～だけましだ grammar point is used to compare two undesirable or less-than-ideal situations, saying that one is not good, but still better than the worse alternative. It often translates as 'at least (it’s only...)' or 'it could be worse.'

Example sentences

失敗しっぱいするだけましだ。もっと大変たいへんなことにならなくてよかった。

At least we only failed—it could’ve been much worse.

Shippai suru dake mashi da. Motto taihen na koto ni naranakute yokatta.
遅おくれるだけましだ。来られないよりはいい。

At least I’m only late. It’s better than not being able to come at all.

Okureru dake mashi da. Korarenai yori wa ii.
小さな部屋へやだけましだ。全まったく部屋へやがないよりはいい。

At least we have a small room; it’s better than having no room at all.

Chīsana heya dake mashi da. Mattaku heya ga nai yori wa ii.
彼かれが結婚けっこんしないだけましだ。大変たいへんなことになるところだったよ。

At least he’s not getting married—things could have gotten complicated.

Kare ga kekkon shinai dake mashi da. Taihen na koto ni naru tokoro datta yo.