まし

na-adjective, noun

better, preferable (of bad options)

1. better, preferable

Indicates that something is relatively better when comparing unfavorable options. Implies that none of the choices are ideal, but one is more tolerable than the others.

まだましだ。

It's still better (than the alternative).

歩(ある)くよりバスの方(ほう)がましだ。

Taking the bus is better than walking.

あの店(みせ)は高(たか)いけど、まずい店(みせ)に行(い)くよりはましだと思(おも)う。

That restaurant is expensive, but I think it's better than going to one with bad food.

Usage

まし always carries the nuance of "not great, but at least better than the alternative." It is never used to describe something genuinely good. The comparison is always between unsatisfactory options.

Common patterns

～よりまし: better than ～
まだまし: still better, at least tolerable
～の方(ほう)がまし: ～ is the better option
ないよりまし: better than nothing

Common collocations

何(なに)もしないよりまし: better than doing nothing
前(まえ)よりまし: better than before
死(し)んだ方(ほう)がまし: I'd rather die (hyperbolic expression of extreme dissatisfaction)

general

Added 2026.2.14 14:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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