JLPT N2 grammar

〜だけましだmeaning and usage

Meaning

Although A, at least B (which is better than the alternative)

How to form it

  • verb (plain form)/い-adjectiveだけましだ
  • な-adjective (stem)なだけましだ

How it is used

Admits a situation is bad but points to one saving grace that makes it better than it could have been. It often takes 「まだ」 (「〜だけまだましだ」), and speech often drops 「だ」: 「〜だけまし」.

Examples

  1. 今日は暑いけど、クーラーの効いた部屋で過ごせるだけ増しだ。

    Today is hot, but at least I'm able to pass the time in a room cooled by an AC.

  2. 財布をなくしたが、カードが入っていなかっただけましだ。

    I lost my wallet, but at least my cards weren't in it.

  3. 給料は安いけど、仕事があるだけまだましだよ。

    The pay is low, but at least I've got a job.