【JLPT N2 Grammar】〜だけまし（~dakemashi）

2020年4月26日 2024年9月13日

Explanation：〜だけまし

Meaning
“今の状況は良くないが、〜よりはいい。”

“The current situation is not good but, it’s fortunate that It isn’t any worse“
Used to express that although the situation might not be ideal, there is still something to be grateful for or consider as a positive aspect. It implies that the current situation could have been worse.

Form
V（plain form）+ だけまし
イA（plain form）+ だけまし
ナA（plain form）+ だけまし
Nである + だけまし

Points

Gratitude for a better-than-worse situation: It emphasizes that despite some negative aspects, the outcome or situation is still better than the worst possible scenario.
Mild consolation: Often used as a way to console or find some relief in a less-than-perfect situation.
Comparison to worse outcomes: It compares the current situation with a worse one, acknowledging that things could be worse.

JLPT Level
N2

Sample sentenes

海外旅行かいがいりょこうちゅう中に荷物にもつを全部盗ぜんぶぬすまれたが、命いのちが無事ぶじだっただけましだ。
All my luggage was stolen during my trip abroad, but at least my life was safe.

トラックとぶつかって私わたしのバイクが壊こわれてしまったが、怪我けががなかっただけましだ。
My motorcycle was wrecked in a collision with a truck, but at least I wasn't injured.

このアパートは小ちいさくて、あまり綺麗きれいじゃないけど、会社かいしゃから近ちかいだけましだ。
This apartment is small and not very clean, but at least it's close to the office.

妻つまの料理りょうりはあまりおいしいとは言いえないが、料理りょうりしてくれるだけましだ。
My wife's cooking isn't very tasty, but at least she cooks for me.

給料きゅうりょうが低ひくくても、仕事しごとがあるだけましだ。
Even though the salary is low, I’m grateful to at least have a job.

Vocabulary

Japanese		English
荷物	にもつ	luggage
命	いのち	life
給料	きゅうりょう	salary