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No good; useless; hopeless; no use
この計画は駄目だ。
This plan is no good.
駄目なアイデアだ。
It's a useless idea.
Often used to express strong negative judgment or to discourage someone.
Not allowed; prohibited
ここでタバコは駄目だ。
Smoking is not allowed here.
Use '駄目' in casual settings. For more polite contexts, consider 'ダメです' or 'いけません'.
'駄目' is often used to express strong negative opinions, so use it carefully to avoid sounding harsh.
From the verb '出目' (demasu), meaning 'to be useless' or 'to be no good'. The kanji '出' (de) and '目' (me) together form the word '出目' (dame), which evolved into the modern usage.
Commonly used in casual conversation to express disapproval or to indicate that something is not permitted. Can be softened with 'ちょっと' (a little) as in 'ちょっと駄目' (a bit no good).