only ~, nothing but ~, just ~

Intermediate

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Emphasizes that something is done excessively or exclusively.

[Verb て-form] + ばかり / [Noun] + ばかり

ゲームばかりしています。

Gemu bakari shite imasu.

I do nothing but play games.

文句ばかり言う。

Monku bakari iu.

He complains all the time.

Often implies criticism or excess.

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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