also: だーめ
Describes something that is not functioning, not acceptable, or of poor quality. Often used in everyday speech to reject or criticize.
このペンはもうだめだ。
This pen is no good anymore.
Please let me know if there is anything wrong.
Used when a situation or effort is futile, or when something is beyond saving. Often carries a nuance of resignation.
I thought it was hopeless, but I kept trying until the end.
All that effort went to waste.
Expresses prohibition or impossibility. Commonly used in rules, warnings, and everyday refusals. Often followed by だ/です or used as だめだ.
You must not smoke here.
I can't wait any longer. It's no use.
neutral point (go)
In the game of Go, a point that belongs to neither player at the end of the game. Technical term.
After the game ends, fill in the neutral points on the board.
Interjection used to firmly refuse, forbid, or stop someone. Often spoken with emphasis.
No! Don't touch it!
No, no, you can't do that.
You must not smoke here.
You have to practice every day.
No matter how much I begged, it was no use.
Alcohol isn't allowed here.
駄目 is a casual, everyday word for 'no good' or 'not allowed', while 不可 is formal and typically used in writing or official rules.
ダメ is a broad, all-purpose word for 'no good', while ポンコツ adds a colloquial, half-joking nuance of being broken or incompetent.
よし expresses approval or readiness ('alright!'), while だめ expresses disapproval or refusal ('no good!').
だめ means a plan or thing is no good, the opposite of いける meaning it is going well or workable.
いいね signals approval of an idea or news, whereas だめ rejects it as no good or not okay.
だめ means 'not okay/no good', directly opposing 構わない's meaning of 'it's fine, no problem'.
Search-only elongated form; not a standard spelling.