ましだ (mashida)

Meaning & usage

ましだ compares two things and says one is the better of the two, even if neither is great. It follows nouns (noun + の方がましだ) and can also appear as ましです in polite speech or まし + noun when modifying, as in ましなホテル.

Example sentences 4

1. この食堂しょくどうは味あじは普通ふつうだが、隣となりの店みせよりましだ。

   The food at this diner is average, but it's better than the place next door.

2. 雨の中を歩くなら、少し待ってタクシーの方がましだ。

   If it means walking in the rain, it'd be better to wait a bit and take a taxi.

3. 残業は嫌いだが、週末出勤よりはましだと思っている。

   I hate overtime, but I figure it's better than working on the weekend.

4. この駅前には安いホテルしかないが、汚い旅館よりましだ。

   There are only cheap hotels near this station, but they beat the filthy inn.