Grammar pattern

〜ばかり...

  • A grammar pattern used to emphasize a sense of excessiveness or exclusivity in the action or objects.
  • When used with a verb, it often carries the speaker's negative connotation, suggesting that the action is done excessively or to the detriment of other necessary activities.
  • When used with a noun, it often expresses the speaker's frustration or difficulty due to the overwhelming presence of something.

Meaning

nothing but; only

Connections

  • V(て) + ばかり
  • N + ばかり

Example Sentences

  • 息子(むすこ)は遊(あそ)んでばかりで、全然(ぜんぜん)勉強(べんきょう)しません。
    My son just plays and doesn't study at all.
  • この本(ほん)は難(むずか)しい漢字(かんじ)ばかりで読(よ)めません。
    This book is full of difficult kanji, so I can't read it.
  • お酒(さけ)を飲(の)んでばかりいると、体(からだ)に悪(わる)いよ。
    If you keep drinking alcohol, it will be bad for your health.
  • 山田(やまだ)さんは、タバコを吸(す)ってばかりで、全然(ぜんぜん)仕事(しごと)をしません。
    Yamada-san smokes all the time and doesn't do any work at all.
  • このクラスは、女(おんな)の人(ひと)ばかりですか。 ー はい。男(おとこ)の人(ひと)が一人(ひとり)しかいません。
    Is this class only women? - Yes. There's only one man.

Tags

JLPT N4