だめ
dame
The English phrase "no good" is translated into Japanese as だめ (dame).
だめ is a versatile word used to express that something is not allowed, is impossible or is of poor quality. While it can refer to something being of bad quality, it often functions as a prohibition meaning "don't do that" or "it is not permitted."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on the endings you add to the word. だめです is a polite form suitable for use with strangers or superiors, and it carries a sense of strong disapproval or prohibition. だめだ is a common informal way to say "it is no good" or "it is no use."
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the function of the word by adding different particles. Adding the copula だ to the end of だめ creates the complete sentence だめだ, meaning "it is no good." To use the word as an adjective to modify a noun, add the particle な, such as in だめな (no good/bad).
How do you pronounce it?
dame
Did you know?
- While だめ means 'no good', the phrase だめ押し (dame-oshi) refers to a 'final blow' or a clinching move used to ensure a victory.
- In Japanese culture, だめ is often conveyed through a specific gesture where the speaker crosses their arms or hands in an 'X' shape to visually signal a prohibition.
- When used as だめな, it can describe a 'bad boy' or 'troublemaker' archetype in a way that is sometimes seen as charming or endearing in romantic contexts.
Examples in context
- 申し訳ありませんが、それはいけません。I apologize, but that is not good.
- すみません、今日はだめだ。I'm sorry, today is not good.
- すみません、明日はだめです。I'm sorry, tomorrow is not good.
- それはだめです。Sore wa dame desu.That is no good.
- 今日はだめなんです。Kyō wa dame nan desu.Today is no good (I can't make it today).
- もうだめだ。Mō dame da.It's no good anymore.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are deciding where to eat.
- 陽太 Yotaあのお店はどう？Ano omise wa dō?How about that shop?
- 美咲 Misakiあそこはだめ。高いよ。Asoko wa dame. Takai yo.That place is no good. It's expensive.
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、あっちに行こう。Jā, acchi ni ikō.Then, let's go that way.
- 美咲 Misakiいいと思うよ。Ii to omou yo.I think that's a good idea.
