～だけましだ (〜dake mashi da)
Explanation
Expresses that although the situation isn’t ideal, it could be worse; 'it’s not great, but at least...'.
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
Detailed 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.'
Examples
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。
Shippai suru dake mashi da. Motto taihen na koto ni naranakute yokatta.
At least we only failed—it could’ve been much worse.
遅れるだけましだ。来られないよりはいい。
Okureru dake mashi da. Korarenai yori wa ii.
At least I’m only late. It’s better than not being able to come at all.
小さな部屋だけましだ。全く部屋がないよりはいい。
Chīsana heya dake mashi da. Mattaku heya ga nai yori wa ii.
At least we have a small room; it’s better than having no room at all.
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。
Kare ga kekkon shinai dake mashi da. Taihen na koto ni naru tokoro datta yo.
At least he’s not getting married—things could have gotten complicated.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.