まだしもmadashimo“rather; better”

まだしも means rather; better ~. It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that while something might be barely tolerable, something else is absolutely beyond the pale.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that while something might be barely tolerable, something else is absolutely beyond the pale, まだしも is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

What does まだしも mean?

Use まだしも when you want to express that while something might be barely tolerable, something else is absolutely beyond the pale.

Natural translations include:

• rather; better ~

How to form まだしも

Noun/Verb-clause + まだしも / …ならまだしも

Examples of the pattern:

• 一度ならまだしも
• 子供ならまだしも

When is まだしも used?

Use まだしも in situations like:

• saying X is barely acceptable but Y is absolutely not

Tone and register:

• neutral; contrasts acceptable and unacceptable
• Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

まだしも example sentences

• 一度ならまだしも、三度も遅刻した。 — Once would be one thing, but he was late three times.
• 子供ならまだしも、大人がそんなことをしてはいけない。 — It might be forgivable for a child, but an adult shouldn’t do that.
• 千円ならまだしも、一万円は高すぎる。 — A thousand yen would be acceptable, but ten thousand is too expensive.
• 冗談ならまだしも、本気で言っているのか。 — If it were a joke, fine, but are you seriously saying that?
• 少しならまだしも、こんなにたくさん食べられない。 — A little would be fine, but I can’t eat this much.

After reading each sentence, ask what job まだしも is doing: while something might be barely tolerable, something else is absolutely beyond the pale.

Nuance of まだしも

The key nuance is while something might be barely tolerable, something else is absolutely beyond the pale.

For example:

• In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
• Compared with まだいい, it carries a different weight and implication.

まだしも vs まだいい

まだしも:

• while something might be barely tolerable, something else is absolutely beyond the pale

まだいい:

• it’s still okay (simpler comparison)

Quick contrast examples:

• 一度ならまだしも三度はダメだ。
• 一度ならまだいいが三度はダメだ。

Common mistakes with まだしも

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
• Using it in contexts where the situation doesn’t match the grammar’s core meaning
• Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with まだしも, then rewrite it with まだいい. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is まだしも on the JLPT?

Yes. まだしも is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for まだしも

• Use まだしも in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
• Write a sentence where the nuance of まだしも is necessary.
• Compare まだしも with まだいい in your own example.

Learning path for まだしも

To learn まだしも efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

1. First, make sure you can form まだしも without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with まだいい.
3. Finally, write sentences where まだしも is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• だけましだ — because it also finds relief in things not being worse
• どころか — because it also corrects assumptions by showing worse reality
• かえって — because it also involves outcomes going against expectations

Learn まだしも with Hane

If you want to review まだしも together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

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