Learn Japanese grammar: ばかり (bakari). Meaning: only; nothing but ~.
- This grammar point literally means “only” or “nothing but”, and is often used to express surprise, shock, and even judgement (in a negative way).
- It is not always used in a negative way, and can simply be used to say “only” or express surprise.
- You’ll have to interpret the intended meaning based on the context.
Example A
6月は雨ばかりです！
roku gatsu wa ame bakari desu!
It’s constantly raining in June / It’s nothing but rain, It’s always raining, etc..
Other Variations
ばかり (bakari) is a very complex grammar point with many different variations.
- When used with a noun that indicates time or distance it means “about”. See N2 lesson for ばかり (bakari).
- To describe a negative continuous / repetitive action, use ばかりいる (bakari iru)
- When used with a past tense verb it means “just finished”. See たばかり (ta bakari).
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ばかり - Example Sentences 例文
Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.
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Example #1
娘はテレビばかり見ている。
Example #2
彼はお金ばかり考えている。
Example #3
甘いものばかり食べると太ります。
Example #4
嘘ばかりつく人が嫌いだ。
Example #5
得るものはなく、失うものばかりだ。
Example #6
このカフェのお客さんは女性ばかりですね。
Example #7
子どもの頃は体が弱くて病気ばかりしていました。
Vocabulary List 語彙
| Kanji 漢字 | Kana カナ | English 英語 |
|---|---|---|
| 雨 | あめ | rain |
| 娘 | むすめ | daughter |
| 彼 | かれ | he |
| 考える | かんがえる | to think |
| お客さん | おきゃくさん | customer |
| 女性 | じょせい | girl; female |
| 甘いもの | あまいもの | sweets |
| 太る | ふとる | to gain weight |
| 嘘 | うそ | lie |
| 嫌い | きらい | hate |
| 得る | える | to gain |
| 失う | うしなう | to lose |
| 頃 | ころ | time period |
| 体 | からだ | body |
| 弱い | よわい | weak |
| 病気 | びょき | sick |
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JLPT N4 Study Guide
JLPT N4 Grammar Master [e-book]
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This e-book includes every grammar point you need to know in order to pass the JLPT N4, with detailed usage notes and numerous example sentences.
Pages: 293.
Grammar lessons: 131.
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