マシ
Meanings
better; preferable; less bad
Used when comparing options, implying that something is not ideal but is better than the alternative. Often used in the pattern ～よりマシ or ～だけマシ.
It's better than doing nothing.
The ramen here is bad, but it's better than the one at that shop.
Attaches to nouns to indicate an increased amount or degree. Common in compounds like 一人増し (one more person) or 倍増し (double the amount).
The fee increases by 1,000 yen per additional person.
Archaic noun meaning increase or growth. Not used in modern Japanese outside of historical contexts or set phrases.
In old documents, the expression '人口の増し' (increase in population) can be found.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉より〈事〉のほうがマシだX is better (less bad) than Y
It's better to try than to do nothing.
- 〈事〉だけマシだat least X is better (than it could be)
At least it's not raining, which is something.
- 〈人〉より〈人〉のほうがマシだperson X is a better (less bad) option than person Y
My current boss is better than that other one.