だけ
Meanings
- Only
- Just
- Nothing but
About this pattern
Explanation
The particle だけ means “only” or “just.” It marks that the first element is restricted to a single item, amount, or quality, implying that nothing more is involved beyond what is stated. It can attach to nouns, verbs in dictionary form, and i-adjectives to express exclusivity or limit. It is commonly used in everyday statements to emphasize limitation or exclusivity and is often translated as “only” or “just.” When used with verbs, it often implies that no other actions are done beyond the stated verb. When with a noun, it highlights that other things are not included.
Learn in context
Example sentences
This is only an apple.
He only speaks Japanese.
She told only me a secret.
Today I only finished the homework.
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More N5 patterns
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View detailsto be; is; am; used to state something politely
View detailsAs for... (highlights sentence topic); Topic marker used to indicate what the sentence is about; Marks the topic of the sentence, sometimes with contrast
View detailsalso; too; as well; even; either; neither
View detailsthis (near the speaker); this thing; this one
View detailsthat; that thing (near the listener); the thing referred to earlier
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