ドンマイ
Donmai
どんまい
From English 'don't mind,' though the original phrase is ungrammatical — what it really means is 'don't worry about it' or 'no worries.' Started as a sports sideline cheer for teammates who missed a shot or made an error, then spread into everyday conversation as a casual way to brush off small failures. Often doubled up as 'donmai donmai' for extra encouragement. However, in recent years it has picked up a second, meaner edge: used in the third person or behind someone's back, 'donmai' becomes a way of dismissively saying 'that's pathetic' or 'tough luck' — less encouragement, more mockery.
Examples
シュート外しちゃった。——ドンマイ！次決めよう
Missed the shot. — No worries! We'll get the next one.
During a soccer match
あいつ、なんか仕事で頑張ってたけど、結果がついてこなくてドンマイって感じやで
He's been putting in effort at work, but the results just aren't there — total 'donmai' situation, honestly.
Talking behind a colleague's back with a dismissive tone
テスト赤点だった。——ドンマイ、次頑張ればいいよ
Failed the test. — Don't sweat it, you'll do better next time.
なんか偉そうに言ってるけど結果はドンマイって感じだな
He talks a big game, but his results? Yeah... 'nice try' at best.