ましだ (mashida)

Meaning & usage

ましだ expresses that one option is better or more tolerable than another, often with a sense of would rather or at least preferable. It typically follows ほうが, which itself follows a plain verb, い-adjective, な-adjective, or noun, as in 行くほうがましだ or 休みのほうがましだ. Common patterns include より…ほうがましだ for direct comparison and くらいなら…ほうがましだ to reject a worse alternative. Before a noun it becomes ましな, as in ましな天気.

Example sentences 8

1. こんな寒さむい日ひには外出がいしゅつするより家いえにいるほうがましだ。

   I would rather stay at home than go out on such a cold day.

2. どんな人でもいないよりはましだ。

   Anybody would be better than nobody.

3. 恥をかくぐらいなら死んだほうがましだ。

   I would rather die than disgrace myself.

4. 面目を失うより死んだほうがましだ。

   We might as well die as disgrace ourselves.

5. 他人のものを盗むぐらいなら死んだほうがましだ。

   I would rather die than steal from others.

6. 彼に金をやるくらいならむしろどぶに捨てた方がましだ。

   You had as well throw your money into the ditch as give it to him.

7. 降参するくらいなら死んだ方がましだ。

   I would sooner die than give up.

8. 天気は今日の方が少しはましだ。

   The weather is a shade better today.