だめ

だめ
adjective (na-adjective), noun
no good, useless, not allowed
1. no good, useless
Describes something that doesn't work, is broken, or is of poor quality. Also used when efforts fail.
このパソコンはもうだめです。
This computer is no good anymore.
試験(しけん)はだめでした。
The exam went badly.
この靴(くつ)はもうだめだから、新(あたら)しいのを買(か)います。
These shoes are worn out, so I'll buy new ones.
何度(なんど)やってもだめでした。
No matter how many times I tried, it didn't work.
私(わたし)は泳(およ)ぐのがだめです。
I'm no good at swimming.
2. not allowed, forbidden
Used to express prohibition or that something shouldn't be done. Very direct way to say 'no' or 'you can't do that.'
ここで写真(しゃしん)を撮(と)ってはだめです。
You're not allowed to take photos here.
~てはだめ expresses prohibition
だめ！触(さわ)らないで！
No! Don't touch it!
Direct prohibition
ここで食(た)べてはだめですよ。
You're not allowed to eat here.
遅(おく)れたらだめですよ。
You can't be late!
子供(こども)だけで外(そと)に出(で)てはだめだと言(い)われています。
We've been told that children are not allowed to go outside alone.

だめ is a na-adjective/noun meaning "no good" or "not allowed." Usually written in hiragana, though the kanji 駄目(だめ) exists.

KEY PATTERNS:

  • 〜てはだめ: must not do (prohibition)
  • 〜ちゃだめ: casual form of 〜てはだめ
  • だめになる: to go bad, to break down
  • だめだった: it didn't work out

USAGE NOTES:

  • Very direct; can sound harsh to children or in formal situations
  • For polite prohibition, 〜てはいけません is softer
  • Xがだめ means "bad at X" or "can't handle X": 私(わたし)は朝(あさ)がだめ (I'm not a morning person)

RELATED:

basic
Added 2026.1.7 21:22 · Revised 2026.2.13 21:00
00500/00693_dame