only ~, nothing but ~

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates doing only one thing, often with criticism.

[Verb て-form/Noun] + ばかり

彼はゲームばかりしている。

Kare wa geemu bakari shite iru.

He does nothing but play games.

肉ばかり食べないで、野菜も食べなさい。

Niku bakari tabenaide, yasai mo tabenasai.

Don't eat only meat, eat vegetables too.

Often implies too much of something or criticism.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Notice the criticism/excess nuance in usage.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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