よりマシ

better than

→ より

phrase Uncommon #17,742

better than Used to compare two undesirable options or people, meaning that one is less bad or preferable to the other. マシ is casual and often implies that something is only comparatively better, not necessarily good.

JA: 何もしないよりマシだよ。

EN: It's better than doing nothing.

お前の婚約者よりマシだわ

I'm better than your fiancée.

— 暗殺の森 (1971)

新型よりマシだ

It’s better than the newer model.

— コーカサスの虜 (1996)

こいつよりマシ？

Better than this guy?

— アバウト・タイム～愛おしい時間について～ (2013)

ここよりマシな場所あちこち行ったけどどこも同じ

I've been to places all over that were better than this, but they're all the same.

— 28年後... 白骨の神殿 (2026)

パパよりマシよ

You're better than Dad.

— ダンガルきっと、つよくなる (2016)

スラム襲撃よりマシさ

It's better than raiding a slum.

— エリート・スクワッド (2007)

数名よりマシだ

Better than just a few people.

— 雪山の絆 (2023)

phrase Rare #29,964

better than Used to say that one option or situation is preferable to another, often with the nuance of “at least it’s better than...” or “better than nothing.” Frequently follows a noun or clause with より.

JA: 何もないよりマシだ。

EN: It’s better than nothing.

捕まったよりマシなだけだ

It's just better than getting caught.

— スター・トレックII カーンの逆襲 (1982)

アンダーソンヴィルでの味方の待遇よりマシです

It’s better than the way our allies were treated at Andersonville.

— 続・夕陽のガンマン (1966)

バカよりマシさ

Better than being an idiot.

— TAXi (1998)

ないよりマシだろ