～だけましだ JLPT N2

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

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

• 失敗するだけましだ。もっと大変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.

• 小さな部屋だけましだ。全く部屋がないよりはいい。

  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.

• 彼が結婚しないだけましだ。大変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.