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Japanese frequency list

No. 90 in Japanese

まし

"まし" means "better," "preferable," or "less bad" in a relative sense.

In a sentence

  • この古い車でもないよりましです。

    This old car is still better than nothing.

    Here, "まし" is used to indicate that the old car, while not perfect or ideal, is a preferable choice when compared to having nothing.

  • 雨が降る日は退屈だが雪よりはましだ。

    Rainy days are boring, but they are better than snowy ones.

    In this context, "まし" expresses that rainy days, while not ideal, are the more favorable option compared to snowy days.

  • そんな悪い状況で何もするよりは試みる方がましだろう。

    In such a bad situation, trying is probably better than doing nothing.

    Here, "まし" is used to suggest that taking action, even in an unfavorable situation, is better than taking no action at all.

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