N2 Contrast and Comparison

~だけまし: meaning, usage and examples

~だけまし means: at least... / it's better that...

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 給料きゅうりょうは安やすいが、仕事しごとがあるだけましだ。

   The salary is low, but at least I have a job.

2. ケガはしたが、命いのちがあるだけましだ。

   I got injured, but at least I'm alive.

3. 部屋へやは狭せまいけど、駅えきから近ちかいだけましだ。

   The room is small, but at least it's close to the station.

4. 財布さいふを落おとしたが、カードが入はい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.

When to use it

Admits that a situation is bad, then points out one good part that keeps it from being worse: "at least". 給料きゅうりょうは安やすいが、休やすみが多おおいだけましだ (the pay is low, but at least there's a lot of time off). It is a way to accept something unsatisfying by looking at the bright side.

Nuance

Conversational and resigned in tone, not positive. The situation is still not good; it is only "less bad". Often follows が or けど, and appears with past forms for events: 骨ほねが折おれなかっただけましだ.

Compare

だけあって praises something as expected from its status: さすがプロだけあって上手じょうずだ (as you'd expect from a pro). だけましだ only says something is less bad: 下手へただが、やる気きがあるだけましだ. ないよりましだ is a set phrase: "better than nothing".

Tip: Use it after a complaint: bad situation + が + the one good point + だけましだ.